Giving Back

Giving Back

“I am because we are”

Americans are obsessed with the idea of being self-made, but the truth is, no one succeeds on their own. I’m a firm believer in the saying that “we rise by lifting others.” Whether you can donate money or time, giving back is one of the most important principles in life. I wanted to share some of my favorite organizations with you so you can consider supporting these great causes too.

Thorn

Technology has made it easier to harm kids. Thorn refuse to live in a world where the technology exists to help kids but simply isn’t being used. Thorn builds powerful products, leads new programs, maintains essential resources, and develops awareness campaigns to attack the issue from all sides. Technology must be part of the solution.

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DKMS

DKMS is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and blood disorders.

  • Creates awareness of blood cancer diseases and treatments.
  • Recruits stem cell donors to increase the number of registered lifesavers and promote diversity in the worldwide pool of available stem cell donors
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The Pew Charitable Trusts

The Pew Charitable Trusts is a global nongovernmental organization that applies a rigorous, analytical approach to improve public policy, inform the public, and solve today’s most challenging problems. Some of my favorite PEW projects include:

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The Good Intentions Project

Good Intentions Project is a nonprofit project based in Playa del Carmen, Mexico that provides food, care, and education to underprivileged children and families. Their main purpose is to instill positive values ​​that strengthen human relationships.

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Offsetting Residual Carbon Emissions

What is carbon offsetting?

Everyday human activity associated with our households, vacations, Ubers, and eating habits all contribute to unnecessary emissions of greenhouse gases. These gases, particularly carbon dioxide, are contributing to climate change, thereby negatively impacting our world and threatening our security. The oil, gas, and coal companies do share some of the blame here; however, these companies are merely supporting our lifestyles and satisfying our endless demand for consumer goods.

Each of us need to take responsibility for our individual impacts. As someone who loves to travel, I’m aware that tourism, and particularly air travel, are some of the worst greenhouse gas offenders. I take Ubers, eat lots of meat, wear fast fashion, and am not always prudent in the heating and cooling of my apartment.

In order to address a portion of my own individual impact, I am committing to:

  • Offsetting my residual carbon emissions by contributing to conservation efforts that secure the eventual reabsorption of my carbon dioxide emissions or eliminate the future release of emissions from another source.
  • Going meatless one day a week. This would bolster efforts to reduce methane and carbon dioxide emissions.
  • Reducing my carbon footprint by becoming aware of the impact of decisions I’m making.

January Carbon Offsets

Activity Tonne(s) of
CO2
Offset Credit
Flight EWR to FLL and FLL to EWR 0.54 JetBlue
101.76 Uber Miles 0.05 -0.05
45.7 Lyft Miles 0.03 -0.03
EPA.gov Estimated Carbon Footprint 0.28 -0.28

February Carbon Offsets

Activity Tonne(s) of
CO2
Offset Credit
Flight JFK to FLL and FLL to JFK 0.55 JetBlue
100 Uber Miles 0.05 -0.05
EPA.gov Estimated Carbon Footprint 0.28 -0.28

March Carbon Offsets

Activity Tonne(s) of
CO2
Offset Credit
100 Uber Miles 0.05 -0.05
EPA.gov Estimated Carbon Footprint 0.28 -0.28

April Carbon Offsets

Activity Tonne(s) of
CO2
Offset Credit
Flight JFK to CUN 0.35 JetBlue
Flight CUN to MEX 0.18 Delta
Flight MEX to JFK 0.47 Delta
27.5 Lyft Miles 0.01 Lyft
100 Uber Miles 0.05 -0.05
EPA.gov Estimated Carbon Footprint 0.28 -0.28

May Carbon Offsets

Activity Tonne(s) of
CO2
Offset Credit
Flight JFK to CHS 0.14 Delta
Flight CHs to ATL 0.06 Delta
Flight ATL to MIA 0.14 Delta
Flight MIA to CUN 0.12 -0.12
Flight CUN to MIA 0.12 -0.12
Flight MIA to LGA 0.25 -0.25
22.7 Lyft Miles 0.01 Lyft
100 Uber Miles 0.05 -0.05
EPA.gov Estimated Carbon Footprint 0.28 -0.28

June Carbon Offsets

Activity Tonne(s) of
CO2
Offset Credit
8.2 Lyft Miles 0.01 Lyft
100 Uber Miles 0.05 -0.05
EPA.gov Estimated Carbon Footprint 0.28 -0.28

Offsets:

  Project Offset Certificate & Units Cancelled

Wind power generation by Shree Naman Developers Ltd.

This project activity involves the successful installation and generation of 29.25 MW through the efficient utilization of wind energy, a renewable energy source, at Nashik, Sangli and Satara districts. The project also promotes sustainable economic growth and environmental conservation.

1 CERs Equivalent to 1 tonne(s) of CO2

DelAgua Public Health Program in Eastern Africa
Over 3 billion people still cook over polluting fires, a major contributor to carbon emissions. Household air pollution is the leading environmental cause of death and disability, ahead of unsafe water and lack of sanitation, causing more deaths than Malaria, HIV and TB combined. Clean cookstoves are vital to tackle both global challenges.

1 CERs Equivalent to 1 tonne(s) of CO2

  Current Surplus or Deficit +0.19 Tonnes

 

 

 

The Best Poem Ever Written: Desiderata, Max Ehrmann 1927

Fink Painting Max Ehrmann

I first found this 1920s era poem in middle school. The poem was written by Max Ehrmann and was titled “Desiderata,” Latin for “things desired.” This poem spoke to me then and still speaks to me now. It has served as something of a life-compass for me. I still reread it when I need a dose of good sense. Here’s the original poem.

I hope you like it as much as I do:

“Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble, it’s a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.”[mfn]Bell v. Combined Registry Co., 397 F. Supp. 1241, No. 72 C 1819 (Dist. Court, ND Illinois 1975) (“…the court finds that the author and copyright proprietor, Max Ehrmann, both abandoned and forfeited the copyright in Desiderata.”). – https://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=15337208633402309072[/mfn]

— Desiderata, Max Ehrmann 1927

Travel Archives

Travel is my passion. Aldous Huxley once said, “To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.” International experiences can open your mind to new ways of thinking and break down biases and prejudices. This post offers a listing of my travel itineraries. Here you will find my travel tips, tricks, and advice, and a sampling of memorable spots, nightlife recommendations, and best eats. What does my perfect day in 🇯🇵 🇰🇷 🇩🇪 🇨🇳 🇺🇸 🇫🇷 🇪🇸 🇮🇹 🇷🇺 🇬🇧 look like?