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