Dirk Becker – Growing Sustainability – A Speaker for Social Change

Charismatic, funny and well–informed, Dirk Becker is a Sustainability Guru. His timely message reaches thousands of people through newspaper and magazine articles, at public education forums, across the internet and over the airwaves. With life partner Nicole Shaw, he co–hosts the radio program, "Heart and Mind: Tools for Change," on CHLY 101.7 FM, Vancouver Island. Nicole and Dirk are also the Publisher and Assistant Editor respectively, of "Synergy," their bi–monthly community–driven magazine dedicated to personal growth through the body, mind and spirit. See www.synergymag.ca

Besides talking the talk, Dirk walks the walk as a dedicated organic farmer. On his own 2.5 acres in Lantzville, B.C., he’s turned what was little more than dust and gravel into lush, productive farmland using simple, successful, bio–intensive methods. He offers hands–on demonstrations and runs a variety of practical workshops at the farm.

Dirk has campaigned for and created a new Farmers’ Market, organized large agricultural showcases, and been a featured speaker at environmental tradeshows and various community forums. He’s also President of the Bowen Road Farmers’ Market, a prominent Local Foods advocate and only sells his produce fresh–picked!

Always environmentally concerned and globally aware, Dirk considers his mission in life that of creating a greater consciousness and teaching by example: "My interests are very broad, and my goal in teaching is about much more than simply vegetables and organics. For me, it is about creating a shift in our culture and way of being."

Growing up with Dyslexia and what is now known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), he’s spent much of his life researching the connections between lifestyle choices, (such as the foods and food additives we eat; the pesticides, herbicides and chemicals we use, etc.) and the alarming growth of modern health problems, including the unprecedented increase in diagnoses of conditions such as ADD and ADHD.

Dirk is also keenly interested in the complexities of human relationships and the contributing influences of society and lifestyle. As well as co–hosting the weekly radio show, "Heart and Mind: Tools for Change," he’s been a frequent speaker on various public radio programs (see www.womensradio.com ) and the Canadian podcast network at www.rabble.ca.