No Impact Man Here!!

I am very very excited to share that Colin Beavan affectionately known as No Impact Man will be the convocation speaker here in MY very own community at Illinois Wesleyan University! The event is open to the public.  Note: Seating will be limited!

30,ooo college freshman have read Colin’s Book as part of their summer reading freshman orientation.  30,000 !!!!!!

Wesleyan turned the read into an opportunity for discussion and their very own version of No Impact Experiment.

To quote IWU’s press release:

To celebrate Beavan’s visit to campus, the University Wellness Center is encouraging all faculty, staff and students to participate in a “No Impact Experiment” from Sept. 12-19. It will be one week of cutting consumption, and rethinking a disposable way of life. Each day of the week, participants will attempt to reduce their impact on the environment with steps such as taking public transportation, reviewing what goes into the trash, not buying any new items, powering down unused items and giving back to their community. “Each day builds on the next,” said Illinois Wesleyan’s Visiting Associate Professor of Environmental Studies and Health Laurine Brown, “so that ideally, by week’s end, participants have stopped consuming new goods and making trash, switched to a non-polluting transportation, and all while discovering hidden lessons about what is important in your life.”

I personally think that this is not only admirable, character building and a remarkable way to build campus community.

I think it’s really cool!! Way to go IWU.

Colin Beaven


Dear No Impact Man

Dear Colin Beavan,

I just watched your documentary — No Impact Man. My daughter joined me and wow – we LOVED it.

I was actually quite taken by this film.   Seriously well done.  Very understated, grass roots, yet provocative and the message was so powerful.  I was left with such happiness for you.   don’t know how else to say it.

I met you mid-year of your project via your blog.  I personally was brand new to blogging, new to those who were “way” greener than I and I admit that I was a little taken back by the ambition of your project.  I didn’t get it at first.  I  stayed loyal to your feed watching all of this unfold , actually your blog was one of the first that I ever subscribed to!!

Lots of impact for me, this story of yours.

When I think of what comes along with fame, what follows those who march a little differently than the rest and what is probably my strongest feeling about you is how gracious you are.  Over and over you have found a way to rise above the nasty things people can feel and say.  I watched this on your blog and experienced this in your documentary.  It doesn’t mean you don’t get mad or frustrated.  It’s just the way you choose to handle things.  With grace.

I was ever so struck with the multiple layers of choice.  Phases of the project.  Wow. Questioning and wondering along the way.  The deeper the project, how impossible things sometimes seemed to be, especially in the framework of the city of New York.  I adored the contrast of your desires and those of your darling Michelle.  I was deeply touched by her willingness to support you and her discoveries along the way.  If she had been as “crunchy” as you, the story would have been lovely,  but having Michelle be like so many and experiencing her insights was pretty darn remarkable.

I want to thank you.  Thank you for your inspiration, for sharing your family so intimately.  Thank you for being real, curious and brave.  It takes courage to do what you do.  Most of all thanks for your optimistic example and message.

flickr image credit

No Impact Man has a book out too!!