About Zion
Zion Lights is a full-time mother, poet, freelance writer and green events organiser based in the West Midlands. She is also a columnist for The Vegan Woman and One Green Planet.
Poetry
Zion has had poems published in the Tolpuddle Special of Citizen 32 magazine alongside Tony Benn and Benjamin Zephaniah, Poetandgeek magazine, several issues of Oddrot magazine and issues 6 and 7 of Reflections Magazine. A new poem will shortly be printed in 'Musings', a project by Mother's Milk Books, to raise funds for La Leche League GB.
Events Management
In 2009 Zion co-ordinated Exeter's first Seed Swap & Permaculture Day, which took place in March at a local community centre. The event hosted stalls from local green initiatives and boasted free workshops, talks, film viewings, a raffle, face-painting, storytelling and live music. It was funded by donations from members of the public, and 300+ people attended the event.
Zion organised Exeter's second Seed Swap & Permaculture Day in March 2010.
In May 2010 Zion hosted a book launch to celebrate the publication of her book, More Things Should Be Thought Out Thus. The community arts event brought together local musicians, writers, poets and artists who performed against the backdrop of a transitory art exhibition, on an al fresco stage, with large servings of vegan chai.
One Green Planet
What's the Problem with Plastic Bottles?
This article looks at the impact of plastic bags on the planet and on human health, and what countries around the world are doing to tackle the problem. Published in May 2012.
What's So Bad About Plastic Bags?
This article examines the human, animal and environmental costs of plastic bags, and the industry's well-funded campaigns to misinform people about them, particularly in the U.S. Published in April 2012.
Are You Eating Dirty Oil? The Environmental Impacts of the Palm Oil Industry
This article outlines the environmental costs involved with growing palm oil, and ways to avoid contributing to the catastrophe. Published in April 2012.
Get Up, Stand Up: Discover the Power of Direct Action
This article considers the part direct action has played in various historical movements and how it can be used in similar ways today. Published in April 2012.
Consumer Power in a Capitalist World: The Benefits of Buying Organic
This article looks at the many ways in which buying organic is beneficial for the environment. Published in March 2012.
5 Reasons Why Composting is the Greenest Thing You Can Do
This article examines why composting is a key factor for sustainability and features prominently in green debates. Published in March 2012.
The Vegan Woman
Baby-Led Weaning for the Mini Vegan
This article looks at the science behind the benefits of baby-led weaning, with examples of ideal finger foods for the vegan baby. Published in April 2012.
Forays Into a High-Raw Vegan Diet
This article looks at the raw food movement, how to go high-raw, and the potential benefits of doing so. Published in April 2012.
How to Hold on to Your Compassionate Nature in a Non-Vegan World?
This article looks at ways of cultivating mindfulness through learning techniques such as mantras, meditation, or physical activities such as pilates and yoga. Published in March 2012.
Other Published Articles
6 Reasons to Become an Urban Beekeeper
This article looks at why bees thrive in urban areas, and how smallscale beekeeping can help to save bee populations. Published in The Ecologist, April 2012. Read The Article
Pesticides Linked to Bee Colony Collapse
A news piece on the link between pesticides and bee decline. Published in One Green Planet, April 2012. Read The Article
WATCH: Baby Lemur Discovers Rope
A news piece on lemurs. Published in One Green Planet, April 2012. Read The Article
Parents are Not to Blame
This article examines the Bailey Review concerning the impact of marketing products to young people. Published in ABC Magazine, Sussex edition, November 2011. Buy The Magazine
Are You Ready to be a Good Girl?
This article assesses what critics have said about Amy Chua's parenting methods in her book Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother. Published in Women's Views on News, August 2011. Read The Article
A Direct Response
This article looks at the aims and objectives of the Climate Camp for Action. Published in Camp for Climate Action, August 2010. Read The Article
South Africa Tightens Rhino Hunting Rules
A news piece on the new rhino hunting rules in South Africa. Published in One Green Planet, April 2012. Read The Article
Sustainable Palm Oil Investment Makes Financial Sense for Businesses
A news piece on sustainable palm oil investment. Published in One Green Planet, April 2012. Read The Article
The Breastfeeding Doll
This article discusses the controversy surrounding The Breast Milk Baby doll. Published in The Mother magazine, September 2011. Buy The Magazine
Is 'Breast-Best' Discussion Past its Best?
This article considers that debating that 'breast is best' has become more of a hindrance than a help to new mothers. Published in Juno Magazine, July 2011. Read The Article
Literary Lights Writes
This is an archive of articles written for The People's Republic of South Devon discussing local arts. Published in PRSD, May-July 2010. Visit The Archive
Zion is a Writer for One Green Planet, 'your online guide to making conscious choices'. Zion covers topics including green issues, environmental conservation, and plant-based health & nutrition.
Zion is a Mind & Body Columnist for The Vegan Woman, 'a lifestyle page dedicated to all things positive'. Zion writes on topics such as mental health & wellbeing,'Urban Farming', parenting issues, and all things vegan.
Visit The ColumnMammas for Victory
Zion blogs to promote breastfeeding in the UK. She reviews and rates service providers based on her breastfeeding experiences and provides feedback to address potential problems. She awards window stickers of the international breastfeeding symbol to responsive businesses.
Visit The Blog