Introspection on disaster

Below are thoughts from us at Sustainable Seattle about the disasters in Japan and other areas on the other side of our planet

In two days we are hosting a party. In two days, hundreds more bodies will be found, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and friends will learn of a greater loss, or will continue to live in uncertainty. I look in bewilderment and grief at the devastation and wonder what I can do to help. In times like this, it is hard to keep going, and sometimes its really important to stop. Should we stop? Yes - and no. To be mindful of what we are doing now and what we do it the future is key. We continue doing the work to create a better future for all. We stop and rethink so we can learn from the past. We stop for a moment and take an action today to show we care and help those in the midst of destruction. S0- at our event we will give a portion of the proceeds we raise to disaster relief. -- Thoughts from Laura Musikanski

More valuable than donating money is donating ones effort and time, but in a disaster like the one that Japan is continuing to experience, distance and sheer magnitude make this all but impossible. If we care enough to donate money then hopefully we also care enough to stay informed as Japan struggles through and recovers from this tragedy. This means reading beyond the headline stories and understanding the situation as it continues long after public interest dictates that it is removed from TV news and the front page of the paper. -- Thoughts from Andrew Cozin

In the Jewish tradition, the groom at a wedding breaks a glass as a symbolic acknowledgment and reminder that even at the happiest of times there is pain and sadness in the world. I hope that tomorrow's party will have some of that ethos to it: while we celebrating all that's worth celebrating, we must never ignore that there are always people suffering. -- Thoughts from Eldan Goldenberg

My heartfelt condolences to all those suffering both passed and alive. I cannot imagine the devastation they must be feeling and I wish there was more I could do. I guess the best tribute I could give is to honor the foresight and prevention planning that the Japanese nation put into place through sound policies and public political will. We all have a lot to learn and in the wake of this tragedy I hope we open our hearts, show compassion and learn from the actions and strength of the Japanese people.--Thoughts from Nathan Jackson

The devastation in Haiti

Today is Martin Luther King Jr day and nothing expresses the need for compassion more than the ongoing tragedy in Haiti. With emerging numbers of deceased and dispossessed coming out of Haiti after the terrible earthquake, we are starting to see the significance and importance of keeping an open heart. Aid has been flowing into the country since the quake with little of it reaching those in need due to the inherent infrastructural problems long associated with the poor republic.

Haiti is starting to see the aid and humanitarian efforts get through as United States military presence and humanitarian organizations secure landing zones, the one functioning airport, and routes of transportation. The organizations are in some cases rebuilding roads simply to get supplies through to the most heavily hit areas and organizers are seeing the further need for funding and security.

There are many charities that you can get involved with to aid the people of Haiti and I am going to recommend three that have proven to be trustworthy in the past with a transparency and professionalism that is sometimes lacking in other organizations.















Please find it in your hearts to help the people of Haiti as they are your neighbors. They are desperately crying out for succor and we can do more together than separately.