Last week's EcoTuesday - the second one in Dallas - was a hit.  The same crew came back, this time bringing friends.  The wine flowed, the group gelled and the speaker inspired.  We couldn't have asked for more.  Our guest speaker was Rob Ganger, Founder and CEO of Pollinator Media Group. Rob was also Executive Producer of the award-winning documentary "Trudell." The film was featured in over 40 festivals in 2005 (including Sundance, Tribeca, Seattle and SilverDocs) and had a 60-city theatrical run. 

In addition to sharing expertise and experience spanning both coasts, Rob offered us a fresh perspective.  "What I love about Dallas is your pragmatism," he told us.  "In LA we're very good about generating big ideas, but since I've been here I've noticed that Dallasites excel in the execution."  In his speech "The State of the Green Union", Rob shared other reasons why Dallas is good for the green movement.  "Dallas has a strong sense of community, a tremendous commitment to the arts, and that Texas entrepreneurial spirit," Rob told the audience.  "Sustainability is all about cultural transformation, and Dallas has the tools to carry the conversation forward."

I enjoyed Rob's entire speech, but most of all his closing remarks about sacrifice.  "Sacrifice has been given a bum rap. The fear of giving something up has given sacrifice a bad name," said Rob.  "Historically, 'sacrifice' meant an offering to our highest natures, God/Creator, our ancestors and descendants.  We must recontextualize the word for its true meaning as a sacred offering."  Rob then quoted Native American poet and activist John Trudell, "Life is about responsibility...If you want to have the experience of being free then be responsible."  Rob went on to say, "People always ask me, 'What can I do?'.  I tell them, 'Get quiet, listen to yourself, find your purpose and your passion in the beautiful symphony of life'."  Rob closed by reciting an old Chinese proverb, "It is possible to move a mountain by carrying away small stones."  Among the "stones" he emphasized are local organic farmers.  Only when enough of us come together in support of them will we be able to tackle the monster of factory farming.

Enthusiasm sprung forth from participants who stayed on for the usual post-presentation networking.  One of them, Alan Cooper, described it in his blog post:

I was definitely impressed with the conversations throughout the room - a serious buzz about how to collaborate and bring sustainable business, ideas and innovation to the collective Dallas table of commerce. Energy auditors, solar outfitters, non-profits working to boost energy efficiency (in impoverished areas of Dallas) and even Green Feng-Shui.  Heck, you name it...if it was green business related, it was represented.  All in all, it was a motivational evening filled with smart conversation and tons of energy. I wish all meetings had this type of impact and promise. Looking forward to next month.

I couldn't have said it better myself!