A core program of Simply Living for thirteen years has been our Earth Institute discussion groups. Why? Because participants are inspired and motivated to take action, and in doing so improve their quality of life and further systemic change.

For those new to Northwest Earth Institute (NWEI) courses, they provide an enjoyable, supportive opportunity for 8-12 participants to examine personal values and habits, engage in stimulating conversation, create meaningful community, and take action towards creating a more sustainable future. Participants self-facilitate each course with the help of a mentor and a coursebook of readings. Each course emphasizes individual responsibility, the importance of a supportive community, and the inspiration to walk lightly and take action on behalf of the Earth.

Help us meet Simply Living’s goal to start 15 Earth Institute discussion groups over the next 5 months! Here are some ideas for starters: Start a discussion group with your friends, neighbors or co-workers—we’ll help. Contact the office to be added to the list for those courses you’d like to take. Join our Earth Institute Steering Committee to help organize the courses. Or perhaps you have ideas about where courses would be welcomed? Please contact Missy (614.447.0296 or missy@simplyliving.org) and share your ideas, thoughts, and interests.

Courses offered include:

Sustainable Systems at Work: A five-session discussion course for the workplace, designed to further organizational sustainability initiatives.

Global Warming: Changing CO2urse: A four-session course exploring the history and science of global warming, personal values and habits as they relate to climate change, and personal actions to curb the effects of global warming.

Choices for Sustainable Living: A seven-session course exploring the meaning of sustainable living and the ties between lifestyle choices and their impact on ecological systems.

Menu for the Future: A six-session course exploring the connection between food and sustainability.

Voluntary Simplicity: A five-session course addressing the distractions of modern society that keep us from caring for ourselves, our relationships, and the environment.

Healthy Children - Healthy Planet: A seven-session course that discusses how the pervasive effects of advertising, media, and our consumer culture can influence a child's view of the world.

Discovering a Sense of Place: A seven-session course focusing on knowing and protecting our place.

Reconnecting with Earth: A six-session course addressing core values and how they affect the way we view and treat the earth.

Do let us know how you’d like to be involved!