This issue was created by the ever-talented Lee Thompson, who has taken over the bulk of the magazine planning and production. (So if you don't like it, tell him! Just kidding. I'm still the Complaint Department.) Thanks Lee! This allows me to focus on the larger questions--like "Where's the revenue?" We are now actively seeking sponsors and advertisers for BWZ; if you are interested, please let us know.

In this issue

"What can I do to help make a better world?" It's a question we've been asked a lot since we began this magazine. In truth, we've asked it of ourselves many times as well, and that's why compiling this issue has been such a joy. In researching this topic, it's impossible not to find new and inventive ways to lessen our impact on our fragile environment. We're always anxious to hear your ideas, so please let us know if you have any tips or hints you think we should know about.

We lead off this issue with a look at how easy it is to lead a "greener" lifestyle. A common misconception is that living a "low-impact" life involves great sacrifice and hardship. We'll show you that's not true. Many of the steps you can take are much easier than you think--with meaningful results. Like being aware of what you throw away--because our landfills are overflowing. By incorporating these habits into our lives, we'll make a huge difference in ameliorating our solid-waste problem.

Remember those crazy things your grandmother used to tell you about, like keeping slugs out of the garden by setting out a dish of flat beer? "HAH!" you said, and went down to the local supermarket and bought toxic pesticides instead. Well, she was right--using natural alternatives is an effective solution for most of our household needs.

How forgiving is Mother Nature? Researchers are collecting interesting data from the Earth's oceans, trying to answer that crucial question. Apparently, the oceans are absorbing much of the CO₂ that contributes to the greenhouse effect.

We also take a look at the new book by our regular contributor Barry Harrington, Unbelievably Good Deals You Absolutely Can't Get Unless You're a Teacher. Bill Leland gives us his insightful commentary, " The Heart of Sustainability--Being Right is not Enough."

And finally, we've added a new Opinions page. This issue, social investment expert Peter Kinder gives a well-articulated rebuttal of the Dr. Digby Anderson article in the last issue of BWZ, "What Has 'Ethical Investment' to do with Ethics?"

Get in touch!

We hope you enjoy our new issue. If you do--and especially if you don't--please drop us a line about it.

If you would like to join us by donating your information, time, or talent, please get in touch. Building a better world is a big tent; there's plenty of room for more.

Chris Nelder
Editor