Western Cuyahoga Audubon
  • Home
    • Newsletter Sign Up
    • Membership 2022-2023
    • Calendar
    • WCASOhio.org
  • Connect
    • Story Blog
  • Educate
    • News Blog
  • Conserve
    • Policy Blog
  • Store

Living a Biocentric Lifestyle and How to Get More People Connected to Nature with Stefanie Spear, Founder & CEO, EcoWatch

11/19/2016

Comments

 
Stefanie Spear, Founder & CEO, EcoWatch and Tom Romito, Western Cuyahoga Audubon, explore what it means to lead a biocentric lifestyle and in doing so, how people become more aware and connected to nature.
Introduction
I’m Tom Romito from Western Cuyahoga Audubon Society and I’m here with Stefanie Spear, who is the Founder and CEO of EcoWatch, an outlet for environmental news for the past twenty-five years.

We’re here because on Tuesday, December 6th at the Rocky River Nature Center, Stefanie is going to present a program to Western Cuyahoga Audubon Society membership meeting.

​She’s chosen the topic, “Living a Biocentric Lifestyle and How to Get More People Connected to Nature”.

​​So Stefanie, tell us about what EcoWatch does. I know that in your promotion for this you said that, “EcoWatch helps people on their journey from a humanistic viewpoint to a Biocentric one.”

Picture
Western Cuyahoga Audubon Society Speaker Series 2016-2017
​Program: Living a Biocentric Lifestyle and How to Get More People Connected to Nature


Presenter: Stefanie Spear, Founder & CEO, EcoWatch
Special Event: Annual Dinner & Auction at 6:30 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070 Map

​
Programs are free and open to the public. Donations are appreciated. Read Online
But, before we get into your actual presentation content, I would ask that you explain those two concepts and how they differ.
​

Distinguishing a Humanistic Viewpoint From a Biocentric Viewpoint
​

[00:01:14]
Stefanie Spear: First of all, thank you for inviting me to be a speaker and I am looking forward to being a speaker on December 6, 2016. I hope all of you will come. Not only do I love to share some of my thoughts, but I love to listen to what others have to say. Please come with lots of questions and I really enjoy conversation.

So, a Journey from a Humanistic Viewpoint to a Biocentric one. I feel that the majority of people over the last many decades are born into a very humanistic viewpoint. Meaning that human species is the top, we are who matters, and yes, there are all these other species that are nice to look at or know about but that we’re at the top.

That’s just not reality.

Reality is that all species are dependent upon each other and that we must live in harmony with nature for long term survival of all species.  It’s nobody’s fault, per se, or maybe it’s the way we are educated.

My goal and hope is that most people have what I had at about the age of nineteen, which was an Aha Moment where I realized that the human species does not rule and that we have to be conscious of our impact on the earth and be aware of the health of other species for the long term survival of humans, if for nothing else.

My goal, when I started publishing environmental news more than twenty-five years ago, was to educate and motivate people to care about human health and the environment.

I was fortunate to have some incredible environmental studies classes as a college student and I learned about a biocentric lifestyle and Aldo Leopold’s essay, “The Land Ethic”. I learned a lot about what it means to live a biocentric lifestyle where you take other species into account in your day-to-day life.

So, I call it a journey because there’s no way that once you have an Aha Moment and become conscious of your impact on the earth, that you can, in one day’s time, implement all the sustainable practices in your life! It’s a journey.

I always encourage people to start with one item. Such as, that you bring reusable bags to the grocery store. Take one measurable item that you can say, “Now, I’m going to stop using plastic bags and just use reusable ones.”

You then realize that that one action makes a difference. And that’s your journey. Once you implement that, you’re likely to say, “Hey, that worked why not try something else like composting!”. How about if we don’t throw away any compostable waste? And then you implement that, and so on and so on.

I see this as a journey and I want to help as many people along that journey as I can.

Steps People Can Take to Lead a Biocentric Lifestyle
​

[00:04:33]
Tom Romito: Well Stefanie, what I understand then, is a humanistic viewpoint for those of us who are so wrapped up in consumerism, we’re tied to our technological tools and advances, and pay no attention to nature.

Whereas a biocentric lifestyle is being aware of the symbiotic relationship we have with all other living things. The birds, the animals, the plants. Am I correct on that?
​
[00:05:06]
Stefanie Spear: Yes, absolutely. And it comes down to the type of cleaning products you use in your home. So, for outside, if we moved the camera over a little and we could see my very beautiful brick walkway, we would see some weeds and what I do is I hand pick them out because I won’t spray RoundUp on my property.

​I have as much of a toxic-free environment here as is possible. This is my property you can see some of my trees and I feel very happy about providing two acres of land that is somewhat of a refuge for other species that are living in my community.

So you become conscious and choose certain products, or choose a certain way of life that is not only going to be healthy for you, but for other species.
Above: Stefanie Spear and Tom Romito recording in Chagrin Falls, Ohio on Thursday, November 10, 2016. Photos by Betsey Merkel. Explore Western Cuyahoga Audubon's photo library of birds, people, activities, and conserved natural areas here.
How People Can Connect With Nature
​

[00:06:09]
Tom Romito: Stefanie, the things that you’ve touched upon just now seem to point toward the sustainable lifestyle. The things that are going to help us survive and thrive on this planet.

Given that, you’re going to be talking about how to connect people to nature when you talk to Western Cuyahoga Audubon members on December 6, 2016.

Without giving away the farm, can you tell our listening audience, some of the low hanging fruit for getting connected to nature that are beyond sustainable living?

[00:06:55]
Stefanie Spear: All of your viewers know we are so fortunate to live in Northeast Ohio where we have the Emerald Necklace and so many other natural areas. I’m a huge believer in getting people outdoors and on the waterways.

I feel that in order to want to protect nature you have to want to recreate in it. By “recreating in it” you realize the value that it brings to our lives and to the health of our planet.

Connecting to nature is definitely step one to care for the planet and for the health of the planet.

[00:07:33]
Tom Romito: So, we’ve covered the concept of engaging people about living a biocentric lifestyle. We’ve talked about things they can do to become sustainable. And then there’s the issue of supporting strong environmental policy. That is the third prong of the mission of EcoWatch.

I think that in view of recent events, we have a whole new slant on what to do and think about environmental policy.

What can you say to our listening audience as we lead up to your talk, about where we ought to focus? Where should our minds be as we move forward day-by-day?

Why It's Important to Support Strong Environmental Policy
​

[00:08:38]
Stefanie Spear: I will say that my talk will change a little bit considering the results from the Presidential election in the wee hours of Wednesday morning.

There is no doubt in my mind that the most important thing that individuals can do is educate others on what I consider to be the most important environmental issues of our time.

That can be a local issue happening in your community, that could be a statewide issue, it can also be a national issue or a global one.

We’re fortunate today to have social media and so many other outlets that allow us to communicate with others about the issues that we take to heart that we’re passionate about, and care about that will create a sustainable future for future generations.

In Conclusion
​

[00:09:36]
Tom Romito: So, in terms of what our audience ought to know, think and do, is to get educated about the policy issues and communicate them. Would you say that’s a good summary of where we are right now?

[00:09:56]
Stefanie Spear: Absolutely, as well as engage. Engage with organizations that you feel aligned with. Organizations that have the same mission and vision as what you believe in is critically important, and never so much as today will that be so vitally important as our President-elect plans to dismantle the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), re-negotiate the Paris Agreement, bring on for his cabinet, climate deniers.

Right now, there’s probably nothing more important than communicate and educate yourself on the most important environmental issues impacting human health and the environment.

[00:10:45]
Tom Romito:  Well, ladies and gentlemen, there we have it: educate, engage and communicate. As we look forward, I look forward to meeting with all of you on December the sixth when Stefanie comes to tell us more about this important issue.

Thanks very much for watching.

Download: Living a Biocentric Lifestyle and How to Get More People Connected to Nature with Stefanie Spear (PDF)


Picture
Stefanie Spear is Founder and CEO of EcoWatch. She has been publishing environmental news for more than 26 years. Stefanie is dedicated to educating and motivating readers to become engaged in their community, adopt sustainable practices and support strong environmental policy to protect human health and the environment. Read More

Picture
Tom Romito is President Emeritus of Western Cuyahoga Audubon serving from 2003-2014. During that time, he planned and organized a five-year breeding bird survey in the Rocky River (East Branch) that involved 100 WCAS members and friends. Through this survey, WCAS provided Cleveland Metroparks with data it is using to bolster grant proposals to preserve private land in the Rocky River watershed. Still a board member, Tom is also a facilitator and helps organization that want to grow. He is passionate about climate change, the healing art of reiki, Native American culture, and birding. Read More


Make A Donation to Western Cuyahoga Audubon. Your gifts guarantee chapter activities, programs and research continues to reach members and connect birding conservationists around the world. Use our safe and secure PayPal payment button below to make a donation of any amount you choose. All donations are gratefully received.

Comments
comments powered by Disqus

    Story Blog

    The Feathered Flyer blog publishes human interest stories about birding and habitat conservation. 

    Photo: Triangle Lake, Bog, Rootstown Twp OH by Tom Fishburn.
    After watching, ‘My Painted Trillium Quest' by Tom Fishburn, Kim Langley, WCAS Member said, “Wonderful! It was a lift just knowing that such a site exists and is being protected!” 

    Media Libraries

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Quarterly Newsletter

    Picture
    Press for Western Cuyahoga Audubon Newsletter Vol.19 Issue 3 August 2021 DIGITAL EDITION (PDF)

    STORIES

    Birdwatching in a Backyard Spring 2020 by Peter G. Saenger
    Feathered Flames in the Forest: The Scarlet Tanager by Tom Fishburn, WCAS Member
    This Place is For the Birds by Joyce (Joy) M. Kiser
    Grassland Birds in Ohio by Tim Colborn, WCAS Member
    My Painted Trillium Quest by Tom Fishburn, WCAS Member
    The Verdant Blush of Spring’s Awakening by Patti Donnellan, CIG, OCVN

    Podcasts

    Picture
    Support Western Cuyahoga Audubon Society when you shop at smile.amazon.com, Amazon donates.
    Picture
    WCAS is a proud member of The Council of Ohio Audubon Chapters (COAC) and promotes chapter development by sharing the best practices, brainstorming solutions to common problems, and building relationships in workshops and retreats. ​Subscribe 

    Videos

    Youth
    Advocacy
    Clean Energy
    Reporting
    Awards
    Volunteerism

    Take Action

    • Help Protect the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA)
    • Albatross and Petrels Need Our Help
    • National Audubon Action Center-Clean Energy for Ohio!
    • ​Endangered Species Act in Jeopardy
    • Help Birds Survive Historic Drought
    • Protect The Arctic Refuge
    • Protect Ocean Habitat for Atlantic Puffins
    • Strengthen the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
    • Supporting Bird Safe Buildings

    Resources

    • American Avian Conservation and Research Institute​​
    • American Bird Conservancy
    • American Birding Association
    • American Forests Blog
    • Audubon Adventures
    • ​Audubon in Ohio​
    • Audubon Strategic Plan 2016-2020
    • Avian Research and Conservation Institute​
    • Bird Life International
    • Cleveland Metroparks
    • Cornell Lab of Ornithology
    • EcoWatch
    • Great Lakes Science Center
    • Great Lakes Biomimicry
    • Medina Raptor Center
    • National Audubon
    • Ohio Young Birders Club 
    • Palestine Wildlife Society
    • State of North America's Birds 2016 ​
    • The Birding Wire

    Blogs

    • Around the Bend
    • BBC Nature - All Birds
    • Beetles in the Bush
    • Bill of the Birds
    • BirdCalls
    • Birds From Behind
    • Birds | Nature | PBS
    • Black Swamp Observatory
    • Blogging Archaeology
    • Blue Jay Barrens
    • Buckeye Herps
    • eBird News
    • Field Biology in Southeastern Ohio
    • Julie Zickefoose
    • Kenn Kaufman's Crane Creek – Magee Birding
    • Life on The Edge
    • Listening in Nature
    • Live Science-Birds
    • Loose Leaf-Official Blog of American Forests
    • Midwest Native Plants, Gardens, and Wildlife
    • Nature's Scenic View
    • Ohio Archaeology Blog
    • Ohio Bird Sanctuary Blog
    • Ohio Birds and Biodiversity
    • Ohio Explorer
    • Ohio Historical Society Natural History Blog
    • Ohio Nature Blog by Tom Arbour
    • Ohio Ornithological Society
    • Ohio Plants
    • Ohio Young Birders Club
    • Ohio Wildlife Education Update
    • Red and the Peanut
    • Season's Flow
    • Science News 
    • ScienceDaily-Bird News
    • The Buckeye Botanist
    • The Nature Conservancy-Birds
    • The Ohio Nature Blog
    • The Swallow-tailed Kite Migration
    • TrekOhio
    • Wahkeena Nature Preserve
    • Weedpicker's Journal: Cheryl's Flora and Fliers

    Archives

    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    March 2022
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    May 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015

    Categories

    All
    2018 Year Of The Bird
    Acid Rain
    Acoustic Recording
    Agricultural Ecosystems
    Ambassadors
    American Bird Conservancy (ABC)
    American Robin
    Amy LeMonds
    Audubon Society Of Greater Cleveland
    Author Speaker Series
    Avian Influenza
    Backyard Birding
    Bath Nature Preserve
    Bats
    Bill Deininger
    Bill Wilson
    Biocentric
    Bird And Building Collisions
    Bird Banding
    Bird Behavior
    Bird Feeder Birding
    Bird Friendly Coffee
    Bird Friendly Communities
    Bird-Friendly Communities
    Bird Health
    Bird Identification
    Birding In Japan
    Bird Migration
    Bird Of The Month
    Birds
    Birds And Beans Coffee
    Bird Walks
    Birdwatching
    Black Birders Week
    Black River Audubon
    Black Swamp Bird Observatory (BSBO)
    Bluebirds
    Bluebirds Nest Box Project
    Book
    Book Club
    Book Discussions
    Bumblebees
    Byers Woods
    Campaign
    Carbon Offset
    Carlisle Visitor Center
    CBC
    Chimney Swifts
    Chimney Swift Towers
    Christmas Bird Count
    Chuck Slusarczyk Jr
    Cicada
    #CIFF
    #CIFF40
    Citizen Science
    Clean Energy Economy
    Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority
    Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve
    Cleveland Metroparks
    Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
    Cleveland Museum Of Natural History
    Climate Change
    Collaborations
    Conservation
    Conservation Project Lab
    Cornell Laboratory Of Ornithology
    Council Of Ohio Audubon Chapters (COAC)
    Cranes
    Dave Graskemper
    Dave Lewis
    David Lindo
    Dike 14
    Diversity And Inclusion
    Documentary
    Donation
    Dr Andy Jones
    Eagles
    EBird
    Ecosystems
    EcoWatch
    Education
    Environmental Stewardship
    Fall Migration
    Field Trip
    Film
    Finches
    Fundraising
    Geauga Park District
    Grassland Birds
    Greater Mohican Audubon Society
    Great Lakes Biomimicry
    Green Solutions
    Guardians Of Nature
    Harvey Webster
    Hog Island
    Hotspot Birding
    IBA
    Imad Al Atrash
    Insects
    Institute For Bird Populations (IBP)
    International Crane Foundation
    Interview
    Invasive Species
    Japan
    Kaoru Tsubone
    Kathy Murphy
    Ken Gober
    Kirtland Bird Club
    LaDue Reservoir
    Lake Erie
    Lake Erie Nature And Science Center (LENSC)
    Larry Rosche
    Legislation
    Lights Out Cleveland
    Lights Out Ohio
    Lisa Rainsong
    Lorain County Community College (LCCC)
    Lorain County Metro Parks
    Lukas Padegimas
    Magee Marsh
    Member
    Membership
    Membership Form
    Microbeads
    Music
    National Audubon Society
    Native Plants
    Nature
    Nature Clubs
    NEOSEF
    Network
    Newsletter
    Northeast Ohio Chimney Swift Conservation Society
    November Birding
    October Birding
    Ohio Bird Conservation Intiative
    Ohio Young Birders Club
    Organic Farming
    Ornithology
    Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
    Owls
    Palestine Wildlife Society
    Photography
    Piping Plovers
    Planned Giving
    Poetry
    Politics
    Prairie Warblers
    Presentation
    Programs
    Public Engagement
    Public Outreach
    Puffins
    Rachel Carson
    Reforestation
    Renewable Energy
    Research
    Rocky River Nature Center
    Rocky River Reservation
    Sandy Ridge Reservation
    Scarlet Tanager
    Schools
    Science
    Seabird Restoration
    Seasonal Birding
    Soil Management
    Sonogram
    Species Conservation
    Species Extinction
    Spotted Lanterfly
    Spring
    Spring Bird Walk Series
    Strategic Plan
    Superflight
    Sustainability
    Technology
    Tim Colborn
    Tim Jasinski
    Tom Fishburn
    Tremont Bird Walks
    University Of Akron
    Urban Birding
    Urban Birding Cleveland
    Urban Forestation
    Urban Parks
    Volunteerism
    Walker Road Park Tower
    Waterfowl
    Watersheds
    WCAS Project Lab
    West Creek Reservation
    Western Cuyahoga Audubon
    Western Reserve Land Conservancy
    Wildflowers
    Wildlife Rehabilitation
    Willow Point Wildlife Area
    Wind Turbines
    Winter Birding
    Wisdom
    Wonder
    World Migratory Bird Day

    RSS Feed


WCAS Logo
Picture
Western Cuyahoga Audubon Society is a Chapter of the National Audubon Society, Inc.

HOME

About
​Subscribe
Volunteer
​Donate
WCASOhio.org

CONSERVE

Policy Blog 
Bird Friendly Coffee Club
Carbon Offset Project
Preserving Habitat

CONNECT

Story Blog
Bird Walks
Field Trips
Birding Hotspots
Report Injured Birds

MEMBERS

​​Membership & Renewal
Volunteer Sign Up Form
​Members Login
​
Board Members
Board Member and Volunteer Login
​Meeting Minutes
Articles and By-Laws
Reports and Financials

EDUCATE

News Blog
Monthly Speakers
​​Field Reports
​
Bird Walk Reports
​Christmas Bird Count-Lakewood Circle

​Media Library
​
​Newsletter Archive
​Education
Resources

STORE

​​Articles
Coffee
Plants
Soil
​Books
​Contests
Donate

Forms
​Maps

​Membership
Western Cuyahoga Audubon Society
4310 Bush Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44109
info@wcaudubon.org

Western Cuyahoga Audubon Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your donation is tax-deductible. The tax ID number is: 34-1522665. If you prefer to mail your donation, please send your check to: Nancy Howell, Western Cuyahoga Audubon Treasurer, 19340 Fowles Rd, Middleburg Hts, OH 44130. © 2020 Western Cuyahoga Audubon Society. All rights reserved. 

​​Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Legal | Store Shipping Rates | Site Map ​


  • Home
    • Newsletter Sign Up
    • Membership 2022-2023
    • Calendar
    • WCASOhio.org
  • Connect
    • Story Blog
  • Educate
    • News Blog
  • Conserve
    • Policy Blog
  • Store