Roberto Giannicola
For the largest part of my life, every day, with nonchalance and negligence, I enjoyed the privileges and pleasures that the commodities of the modern world had to offer. In 2003, while seeking reprieve from the scorching Italian sun, I read a book, The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight, which made me realize how my lifestyle was contributing to the degradation of the planet and its people. I understood then that I needed to live a more conscious life, but I didn’t know where to start. Did I have to give up the conveniences I was enjoying? Would I find alternative solutions without going through painful changes? Did I have to downgrade my lifestyle?
In the next few months, I gained knowledge on subjects related to environmental degradation, human rights and cultural issues, and in November 2003, I decided to learn more by enrolling in the Humane Education Certificate Program. During my time in this program, I learned so much about what is happening on our planet and have made many personal changes to make a positive difference.
As I went through the different courses, I strived to implement changes in my home. Learning about human rights abuse: I stopped shopping in the large stores that were purchasing from factories with sweatshop conditions or using child labor. Instead, I found other companies, on the web and in my town, offering fair-trade products. After going through the courses about animal and environmental issues I chose to eliminate meat and fish from my diet, and made improvements to my house to limit the waste of energy and resources. I completely changed the way I work, and got certification as a green business. I fixed my bike so I could ride it to work, and became very critical of the media and how they influence society.
I changed my ways without having to give up my comfortable lifestyle. The changes I applied in my home, office and outside environments have been simple and fulfilling. I discovered, in fact, that it’s not so hard for me to be “green,” to be respectful, and to live a more compassionate and examined life. My wife Cathleen and daughter Anna-Sofia go along with the changes, although at times I find myself having to hold back on implementing new ways of life if I feel they are not ready.
Today, I experience a sense of power in knowing my seemingly small steps are felt by my community, my friends, my home and even throughout the world. I find that people respect my choices, and often are inspired to change as well. I continuously strive to choose what I believe is better and least damaging for everyone, and in doing so, I hope to make the world a better place.
In May 2007, as I was about to complete my certificate program, I founded Provokare Presentations. With Provokare, I want to offer fun, dynamic and entertaining presentations that will inspire people to see the impact they have on all the things that touch their lives, and demonstrate how they can positively change their lifestyle. I want to use my life changes as an example.
Every day in the news, we read about the “green” movement, in which many want to take part. Although I applaud the greening of products and services, I wonder if these organizations understand what “green” living really means. For them to become truly socially responsible, changes need to happen at their core. For that, they need to include their employees, members and associates.
With Provokare Presentations, I am showing people what they can do to live a more examined life. By having every member of their family, organization or business act as a socially responsible person, it will position them at the forefront of the green and socially responsible movement.
I am only at the initial phases of my new endeavor, but everything that I learned at IHE is now coming into play, including the thorough and all-encompassing academic material, and the tremendous personal help and support that I have received from the friendly, dedicated faculty and fellow students.
November 22, 2008 - 9:30 am to November 22, 2008 - 6:00 pm | Location: University of Central Florida, Student Union, Cape Florida Room 316A and B
Live your values. Change the world. Choose MOGO! Let your life reflect what truly matters to you. Discover ways to choose MOGO (the most good), act on what's most important to you, and build a better world. Come to our life-transforming weekend MOGO workshop, that offer...
Read More