The Ethical Cannabis Alliance (ECA) hosted a kick-off event with Emma Chasen, Ashley Preece, and Laura Day Rivero. It addressed the critical need for robust labor and environmental standards in

The Ethical Cannabis Alliance (ECA) hosted a kick-off event with Emma Chasen, Ashley Preece, and Laura Day Rivero. It addressed the critical need for robust labor and environmental standards in the cannabis industry. More details are available here.

ECA Executive Director Ashley Preece was joined by Laura Day Rivero, an expert in sustainable cannabis practices, and Dr. Elizabeth Bennett, a Lewis & Clark College professor. Dr. Bennett's research explores demand for ethically sourced cannabis and "budtender" knowledge in Oregon.

View presentations on ECA's YouTube channel; follow Facebook and Instagram. Produced by Barry Heidt; curated by Ruth Ann Barrett (EarthSayers.tv), where Part 2 also available.

The Ethical Cannabis Alliance (ECA) hosted a kickoff event with Emma Chasen, Ashley Preece, and Laura Day Rivero. This event addressed the critical need for robust labor and environmental

The Ethical Cannabis Alliance (ECA) hosted a kickoff event with Emma Chasen, Ashley Preece, and Laura Day Rivero. This event addressed the critical need for robust labor and environmental standards within the cannabis industry. For more information, visit the ECA website here.

ECA Executive Director Ashley Preece was joined by guest presenters Laura Day Rivero, an expert in sustainable cannabis practices, and Dr. Elizabeth Bennett. Dr. Bennett, an Assistant Professor at Lewis & Clark College, researches the demand for ethically sourced cannabis products in Oregon and the knowledge of "budtenders" on this topic.

View the presentations on our YouTube channel and follow our Facebook and Instagram accounts to stay informed. Part 2 of the event is also available on EarthSayers.tv here.

Published July 16, 2017, the Ethical Cannabis Alliance (ECA) kick-off event featured Emma Chasen, Ashley Preece, Laura Day Rivero, and Dr. Elizabeth Bennett. They addressed the need for robust

Published July 16, 2017, the Ethical Cannabis Alliance (ECA) kick-off event featured Emma Chasen, Ashley Preece, Laura Day Rivero, and Dr. Elizabeth Bennett. They addressed the need for robust labor and environmental standards in cannabis; Rivero shared sustainable practices, and Dr. Bennett discussed political economy. Ashley Preece presented a certification program for labor standards, third-party inspections, and state uniformity. The ECA later merged with the Organic Cannabis Association, forming the Cannabis Certification Council, with Preece as Executive Director.

More info here; Part 4 here on EarthSayers.tv. Produced by Barry Heidt, curated by Ruth Ann Barrett.

The Ethical Cannabis Alliance (ECA) hosted a kick-off event in March 2017, featuring Emma Chasen, Ashley Preece, and Laura Day Rivero. The discussion addressed the cannabis industry's need for

The Ethical Cannabis Alliance (ECA) hosted a kick-off event in March 2017, featuring Emma Chasen, Ashley Preece, and Laura Day Rivero. The discussion addressed the cannabis industry's need for robust labor and environmental standards. Laura Day Rivero shared her expertise in sustainable practices, while Dr. Elizabeth Bennett provided insights from Lewis & Clark College.

Following the event, the Cannabis Certification Council was established, merging the ECA and the Organic Cannabis Association, with Ashley Preece named Executive Director. This content, including a Q&A session (Part 4), was produced by Barry Heidt and curated by Ruth Ann Barrett of EarthSayers.tv. Part 3 is available here on EarthSayers.tv.

The Portland Interfaith Clergy Resistance hosted a prayer vigil at Terry Schrunk Plaza on Juneteenth, commemorating emancipation from slavery in Texas on June 19, 1865, and reflecting on George

The Portland Interfaith Clergy Resistance hosted a prayer vigil at Terry Schrunk Plaza on Juneteenth, commemorating emancipation from slavery in Texas on June 19, 1865, and reflecting on George Floyd's murder on May 25, 2020.

This film observes 8 minutes, 46 seconds of silence, symbolizing the fatal time Mr. Floyd was unable to breathe due to Minneapolis police actions that violated department policies. Viewers are encouraged to reflect during this period.

Participating clergy included Rabbi Ariel Stone (PDX Interfaith Clergy Resistance), Rev. Jon Aney (United Church of Christ), Rabbi Debra Kolodny (Portland United Against Hate), Rev. Aric Clark, and Rabbinical Student Davina Bookbinder.

Astronomer Wendy Freedman, a University Professor at the University of Chicago, discusses humanity's quest to measure the expanding universe. She highlights the "Hubble Tension"—a scientific

Astronomer Wendy Freedman, a University Professor at the University of Chicago, discusses humanity's quest to measure the expanding universe. She highlights the "Hubble Tension"—a scientific mystery where cosmic expansion rate measurements don't match. Freedman explains how the James Webb Space Telescope is achieving unprecedented accuracy, suggesting this conflict may signal new physics. Her work inspires future generations to pursue revolutionary cosmic discoveries.

A trailblazer in observational cosmology, Professor Freedman previously directed the Carnegie Observatories and chaired the Giant Magellan Telescope project. Named one of TIME100's most influential people in 2025, she currently leads a James Webb Space Telescope program. This TEDx talk is available at ted.com/tedx.

James Nestor, an author and journalist, presents insights from his award-winning book, "DEEP: Freediving, Renegade Science, and What the Ocean Tells Us about Ourselves."

He details how

James Nestor, an author and journalist, presents insights from his award-winning book, "DEEP: Freediving, Renegade Science, and What the Ocean Tells Us about Ourselves."

He details how athletes and scientists explore ocean depths, alongside researchers striving to decode cetacean language.

These remarkable discoveries promise to redefine our understanding of the ocean and ourselves. Watch the full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MMAgKL9SXc

Sharon Lavigne, founder of the faith-based environmental justice group Rise St. James, was the 2021 North American winner of the Goldman Environmental Prize. She received the award for her work

Sharon Lavigne, founder of the faith-based environmental justice group Rise St. James, was the 2021 North American winner of the Goldman Environmental Prize. She received the award for her work fighting chemical plants in St. James Parish, Louisiana.

Support Sharon's efforts: Rise St. James

Join the Commonwealth Club's Virtual Gala on November 19 at 6 pm to celebrate women's leadership in science and medicine. Raise a glass to Good Health! Learn more and register at