We have spent the better part of the last fifty years being inundated by advertising, being told that we will be happier if we get more stuff. But that's been backfiring recently.

Without information, there can be no real understanding of the ramifications of our choices.

Years ago, after I'd answered several questions from a group of teens, one of them asked how I could stay optimistic and keep on going. I answered that instead of getting sad, I get mad.

Energy use, transportation options, food choices, water use, purchasing choices, participating in elections, volunteering for nonprofits . . . and within each of these categories, each of us can learn to live a more conscious life.

Being mad is activating. Being sad can lead to hopelessness. I'm not hopeless. I'm very hopeful.

The imbalances in the climate have been brought on by the incessant push for more and more immediate wealth.

Money and stuff aren't what makes us happy. It's strong connections within families and friends, communities of people that truly care about one another.