Earthlings On A Mission!

It can be frustrating, sometimes even debilitating to witness what is currently happening on planet Earth. Now is truly the time to put our energy towards proactive action!

Meet “The Earth Association,” also known as “Earthlings.” They are a non-profit on a mission to promote decolonization and encourage us to engage in symbiosis with the earth. They stand in support of marginalized, queer, poc and Indigenous peoples.

Over the past few years they have been converting their bus into a solar-powered tiny home on wheels so that they are able to travel and be of service to communities in need. I recently donated to their non-profit in support of their tour on Turtle Island, and received a package in the mail from them containing organic herbs, raw honey, and handcrafted jewelry.

You can find links to donate, message, and read more here: https://theearthassociation.wixsite.com/earthlings

Follow their travels on instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/earth__lings/

Valore: What inspired you to start the nonprofit Earthlings and how long did the process take?

Earthlings: We first dreamt up the idea when we were discussing ways to protect our foraging and water collection rights, as well as a means to legally protect the Earth itself. We had both spent most of our life feeling called to Speak up for the Earth, and do what we could to support communities that are working to steward a world we believe in.

It took us about three months of research and digging to find out the best process for us. It took another two years to get all the data, legal, and digital stuff together in order to launch our project to the public. We ended up forming as whats called a “free church” rather than a 501(c)3 for these very personal reasons. We feel there is a sacred connection between Earth and all living beings. We believe that everything in Nature is alive and feel that we are part of this web, equal and connected to all things.

What is the best way to get started with foraging? What is important to keep in mind while foraging/harvesting?

Find a teacher, and go on a plant walk! When you first start foraging it is really important to learn from assured sources. You should never pick a plant when you are not 100% sure of its identity, so it’s easiest to learn how to identify something hands on with other experienced folks. There are certain plants we are all familiar with but may not know the names of such as clovers, sorrel, nuts, tree species, mushrooms, etc. But a lot of medicinal plants grow all over the place. A lot of medicinal plants are considered weeds, so you could even start in your own back yard with the Dandelions.

There are also a lot of online resources, instagrams, and good books out there. But the best way to learn is to start slow. You’ll be surprised how plants will sortof show up for you, and then suddenly you’ll start noticing them everywhere. Foraging is like any language, at first all the letters and words look the same /the leaves and stems all look the same. But then as you understand one plant, it acts like a key or gateway to its brothers and sisters, and then to its cousins, and so on.

When you are foraging, it is vital to remember these simple concepts.

- Be careful where you walk! Don’t step on plants or mushrooms.

- Do not take the first plant you see, Do not take the last plant you see

- Ask the plant if you may take it.

- Take only what you need, only what you will use.

- Give thanks, give something in return.

These ethics are in place to provide a relationship of consent based, honorable foraging that does not deplete a plant/medicine source, and bonds the forager to nature in a reciprocal and sustainable way.

Earthlings has been based at the Sapphire Sanctuary for a year now what has it been like living there and what are your future plans with the homestead?

This first year has mostly had us under construction as we updated and repaired the onsite mainhouse. It has been a living experiment in barter-economy, work-trade, and homesteading. The whole project is still in the sprouting stages. This year we had a small tomato garden, flower garden, and herb garden. We have been focusing on how to reduce our basic costs and shop more efficiently since we live in the woods. We have a lot of the first steps to multiple projects under way (solar, greenhouse, wood processing, farming, seed saving, foraging, renovations, etc.) We are able to use solar from the bus, and have begun seeking ties to the communities around us in order to learn more about the area and find folks to exchange tools and resources.

For someone who wants to help the earth and be more conscious of their lifestyle but doesn't know where to start, what would you suggest is the best way to begin the journey?

Find someone to teach you, or do your own research about what is going on with pipelines, logging, mass farming and mass production. Mainstream media is a huge proponent of consumerism, so turn off the t.v. and seek out local communities or online sources for information on how to disconnect from the consumerism model that most people rely on for their foods/products. The more you learn, the more you will come to see where you can afford to compromise, and what change is directly in your control.

There is a lot of scarcity mindset ideals that keep people from feeling they can actually make changes in their lives and in the world. We’re all prone to feelings of powerlessness or defeatedness. So it’s really important to have a community, even if it’s just online. We all need folks that we can talk to, ask questions, and share resources with. Dismantling capitalism and confronting colonialism is not always easy, and it certainly can’t be done alone.

What are some simple daily things we as earthlings can do to help the earth and be more aware?

Reduce, re-use, up-cycle. Get reusable shopping bags. walk and ride a bike if you are able. Ditch processed goods and products. Start with small daily changes, and work toward long-term sustainability.

Stop buying bottled water. Bring your own tupperwares, jars, and produce bags to the stores. Buy organic, buy local, buy in bulk. Reduce consumption of plastic and new production materials as much as possible. Learn how to do basic mechanic work in order to pro-long the lifespan of your vehicle and save you some dollars! Support local farmers, seek opportunities for barter and work-trade. Purchase used or handmade clothing items, and learn how to do a basic stitch repair so you can maintain these clothes as they age. Live in gratitude and express that gratitude as much as possible. Learn how to ferment, can/jar foods, and start a small backyard garden.

What are the plans for your upcoming travels?

We are about to embark on a two month long journey out west and back. We are hoping to interact with intentional communities and native communities along the way to provide support and learn from one another. Our main goal is to give thanks and commune with nature; to learn from the plants, rocks, and water sources in these areas.

I understand that you both facilitate workshops, what are they?

Emma hosts a dialogue about what it means to ally ourselves with the earth, and how to protect the earth as a marginalized body. The class discusses sustainability and systems of oppression, while sharing how to engage in balanced relations to the earth and prevent abuse of nature's resources. This class covers personal beliefs about plants as living entities and healing forces, as well as indigenous values and honorable harvesting methods, gift economies and money-free exchange, the illusion of convenience under ststems of oppression, and how we can work together with mindfulness and gratitude to create positive change.

Tyler hosts a class and discussions about resisting patriarchal conditioning and capitalism. He teaches how to source materials and resources that don't involve retail level consumerism. Sometimes he’ll talk about bus life and build outs, but also basic solar power, engine maintenance, off grid living, tiny homes and homesteading, finance and income ethics/ barter and trade practices, and how to build sustainable working relationships.

Dieting can be very complicated and everyone has a different view. What kind of diet do you suggest based on your research and experience? What kind of meals do you cook up?

Tyler and I are both recovered vegetarians/vegans. We focus on seasonal, local, organic foods as much as possible. We include local grass-fed meats/dairy from a2 cows and non-vegetarian fed chickens and eggs. We also really enjoy eating fermented foods. Everyone needs to listen to their own bodies and instincts, but if you can move your food choices away from anything that is overly processed, not in season, and thats been imported, you’re on the right path. Just because something is labeled as a “healthy option” does not make it so. We include seasonal fruits and veggies, tubers/starches, and lots of herbs and spices into our diets.

Earthlings logo:

We are not separate from nature. Our spirits have always been connected, our bodies have always shared with each other. We are made of the same things. Let us mark the earth with love. Remember our place as tender earthlings.

Thank you Earthlings for your time please follow and support my friends and fellow earthlings on their travels here: https://theearthassociation.wixsite.com/earthlings!! Much love and safe travels!!

- Valore