Green Steps - Library - Good reads about our planet
Our Library
Good reads for you, your child and the planet
China’s Green Religion: Daoism and the Quest for a Sustainable Future
Game, book, film
This book review by Ernest J. Yanarella highlights James Miller’s argument that Daoism offers a holistic ecological worldview integrating body, nature, and cosmos. It challenges Western modernity and environmentalism, proposing Daoist thought as a foundation for sustainable development and an alternative ecological future in China and beyond, while noting tensions with a state capitalist system that tightly controls and suppresses religious expression.
Mura Calling Part 2
News
On May 20th, 2026 200 students from Slovenia and Austria will celebrate their common watershed as part of the Interreg project "Mura Calling". This is a cordial invitation to teachers and students in the watershed region to participate.
Book Review: The Practice of the Wild by Gary Snyder
Game, book, film
This review explores "The Practice of the Wild" by Gary Snyder - a thoughtful collection of essays about our relationship with nature, culture, and community. It invites readers to rediscover the meaning of “wildness” and reflect on how our re-connection with the land can lead to a more responsible and mindful way of life.
Why the best time for clean ups is early spring
Plastic Pirates
Clean ups are a purposeful and educational year-round activity. However, in temperate climate zones, the best time to organize a clean-up is now, at the beginning of spring. We explain you why.
A Review on the Genuine Growth Course
Activity Review
Green Steps’ latest edition of the Genuine Growth Ecological Psycholgy Course, a series of film screenings, has come to an end. The different screenings showcase the relationship we have with our planet seen from different areas: clothing, means of transport, cities, work, food, etc. After having watched and discussed the different sessions, we present you a review on the course.
What does the red-green coalition mean for St. Pölten’s educational landscape?
News
Especially in times like these, when democracy is under attack from all sides, we must celebrate the bright spots: a peaceful transfer of power rather than a bloody power struggle in our hometown of St. Pölten. A red-green coalition has been formed, and Walter Heimerl has been confirmed as deputy mayor. During the last legislative term, as a city council member, he consistently supported Green Steps’ work during critical phases. A look back and a look ahead.
Why Learning in Nature Matters: A Neuroscience Perspective on Place-Based Education
Pedagogy
Outdoor, place-based learning helps children learn better by connecting movement, senses, emotions, and real environments. Learning in nature supports memory, attention, and emotional well-being, making learning deeper and more meaningful.
2 ESC volunteering positions opening up in April 2026
News
2 European Solidarity Corps volunteerships will start in April 2026 at Green Steps. After 5 consecutive years hosting volunteers in Europe, we have updated our Quality Label and can from 2026 onwards train 3 ESC volunteers in place-based learning.
Shaping bioregional identities by using Christopher Alexander's Pattern Language
Pedagogy
An Interreg financed project in the Austrian-Slovenian border region has kept us busy in fall. It explores how bioregional identities can be shaped through place-based learning formats and how architect Christopher Alexander's pattern language can be applied for the development of a place-based curriculum.
