There are hidden forces in our culture that affect the daily decisions we make-decisions that are detrimental to ourselves and to our planet. What are these forces? We are all trapped by the ingrained values and beliefs of our current gas guzzling, environment damaging way of life. The authors of The Green Age believe the time has come-or even passed-when we have to start considering some different ideas so that we can leave a livable world to future generations. Through examination and rejection of the unseen influences of the modern worldview the authors invite the reader to step into the future where speed, greed, endless growth and mindless consumption are not the rule. Through humorous and poignant personal stories the authors relate their own journeys to find the worldview of the Green Age. Developing insights that are spiritual, philosophical, scientific, and practical, the authors lead the readers to a holistic understanding of the interconnections within the material world from DNA to galaxies and butterflies to hurricanes. Further examination shows how closely we are related to all humankind both socially and genetically. This leads to a new Green Age ethical standard and primary purpose for living: to sustain the earth and its inhabitants. Do you want a life of fulfillment and personal satisfaction? Following the precept of Gandhi that, "we must be the change we wish to see," the authors provide tools, guidance and exercises to help you make choices that will sustain your spirit as well as the planet. Beyond this the authors invite you to join them as agents of sustainable social change. They provide strategies for action so you too can become a Green Age pioneer of the future.
About the Author: Regina Leffers, Ph.D. is an author, speaker, and artist, living in Pentwater, Michigan. She recently retired from the position of Director of the IPFW Center of Excellence for the Built Environment and professor of Sustainable Construction. She is a founding member and past President of the Northeast Indiana Green Build Coalition, and was Co-Chair of Mayor Graham Richard's Green Ribbon Commission for the City of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Her textbook, Sustainable Construction and Design, published by Pearson/Prentice Hall, is widely used. She has conducted numerous design charrettes, a process of problem-solving in which stakeholders work together to craft solutions that address all connected aspects of the environment in which the problem is embedded. Matthew Kubik is an author, speaker, educator, architect, and artist living in Michigan City, Indiana. He is a 1977 graduate of the Architectural Association School of Architecture, London, England holding a Graduate Diploma earned for his modeling of community energy use and energy conservation research. He has won awards for Excellence in Architecture granted by the American Institute of Architects. Since the 1970's Matt has designed projects striving for minimum environmental impact. He has lectured internationally on sustainable urban planning, architecture and interior design. In 2009 he served as consultant to the History Channel for Life After People - The Series regarding the entropic decay of the Chicago urban environment. Patrick J. Ashton, Ph.D. is an author, speaker, professor, and mediator living in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He is a professor of Sociology and is the Director of Peace and Conflict Studies at Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne. His research and writing focus has centered on the interface of human community and the built environment for over 30 years. His publications include analyses of the political economy of suburban development, the impact of a large-scale plant closing on an urban community, and the characteristics and dynamics of community organization. In 1999 Pat produced and presented a 1-hour live program with Matthew Kubik, "Urbanism Run Amok: Can the City Be Saved in the Next Millennium?" for the National Collegiate Honors Council Satellite Seminar Program in the series The New Millennium: the Past as Prologue. Recently he has conducted sustainable design workshops in the United States and Europe.