Winding Up

Winding up - as in "wind" energy, and "winding" up this class. Ahhh, the English language. I liked the session we had on wind energy. Wind energy has always made me very curious. It seems like such an easy answer, it was good to hear some more facts about it. I am in favor of wind energy, even though the towers are big and conspicuous. I like the idea of wind farms... so that there won't be wind turbines everywhere you look, and we won't ruin all of our natural views. I really hope this form of energy takes off - that it becomes more affordable to build turbines and that more companies go into the wind energy business. Wouldn't it be great if every town had a wind farm to supply its own power? Crazy! I also like the thought of local and rural people having more of the smaller turbines, like the one at Reith Village. I've wanted one for years and it was good to learn about some of the criteria to watch out for, like the amount of space around the turbine that has to be kept clear in case it falls. I am a little worried about the noise pollution. I really like the turbine at Reith, but it can sound a bit like a little jet engine. I do want a quiet backyard....

As for winding up this class, whew! what a ride. I think this is a great class for this program. History and current issues are always shaping the face of environmental education as well as how the public perceives it. This class definitely brought me laughter, sometimes brought me tears, and most certainly brought me lots of information to expand my knowledge. Good class!

Conviction, Action, and Food

Hearing a presentation about wind energy in Indiana was interesting and informative. It is hard to imagine how large these structures must be even though there were comparisons given. Although wind power is slowly becoming more common, I am not sure how I feel on the multiple ones that are springing up within the boundaries of a few counties. I am sure there has been opposition from some, as we saw evidenced by the white splotches on the county map. These windmills completely change the look of the landscape, but can generate mass quantites of energy. It's an interesting dilemma! Perhaps if the wind farms were farther apart and not consolidated in such a small area I would agree with their existence more. I wonder if there will be any longterm ramifications of individuals living in this area generations down the road? Nevertheless, it was an interesting presentation that showed how some companies are attempting to fix our excessive energy use of coal.

The panel discussion with key individuals associated with Merry Lea was a delightful way to finish out the discussion/lecture portion of our class. It reiterated the fact that although much of what we talked about in class focused on the doom and gloom of environmental education, these people are visible evidence of what advocating for environmental education looks like in real life. Through the sharing of their struggles and hopes they brought the entire course into perspective. We will be met with opposition when sent out into the field, but by remembering the hope we possess and striving for a better world, we can all accomplish great things! (It was also neat to hear once again how focused we are all becoming on what we want to get out of this program!)

Finally, the food program with Jennifer was interesting as well. She shed some light on different ways that stories in the Bible correspond to communion and the food we eat. I look forward to taking a look at the curriculum we received! Food choice is one way that we can all make an immediate change to better our world.

Thank you to all for the great discussions while in this class! I am glad we are able to openly discuss some of these issues with each other.

CHristian Paradox

Looks like this article really struck everyone! When I began reading the article, I thought McKibben's idea of "Christian behavior" was going to cause problems in getting his point across. The world of Christianity is so varied and diverse, and Christian values range so dramatically between countries, denominations, congregations, and even individuals, it's fair to say that there is no one "Christian behavior." The bible is open to interpretation and creating a culture based on teachings in the bible do not necessarily dictate one prescribed set of behavioral standards. I think this is problematic, because if we think of all Christians as one large "family," all part of the same tradition and culture, then suddenly people like Pat Robertson get put in the same "family" as Kathy Shantz, and I don't think this is fair.

However, for the purposes of this article, McKibben has defined "Christian teachings" in fairly simple terms: Jesus said to love your god, and to treat your neighbor as yourself. Not all Christians think this is the most important lesson of the bible. Like he points out, many churches now find gay rights and abortion more worthy causes than loving one's neighbor. This is a shame, and I am constantly disappointed with the direction American culture is going in terms of judgmental hatred using the bible as a defense. I don't think that Christianity is to blame, however. Not all nations that are majority Christian behave the same way Americans do. I think there are many factors that have contributed to the evolution of the American self-centered, wasteful, aggressive, over-consuming angry America that we see in the media and even from our neighbors and families sometimes. He makes an interesting point, though, that Christianity has had a major role in shaping the values of this country, and so we should examine the role Christianity has to play in how we treat each other and the planet (similar to what Lynn White suggested, in some ways).

Jesus also embraced the poor, poverty, and was, essentially, an incredibly radical member of society. What does it take to live a life this radical in the United States now? The readings about radical thinkers and activists reminded me just how hard it is to live a life outside the norm, in a world where the "norm" is flashed across our television screens and billboards and radio constantly. "If you buy these things you'll be happier! If you wear these clothes you'll be happier! If you rid the world of gay people you'll be happier!" Like Greg Mortensen, in order to do something different and radical, you have to go against EVERYONE's advice! Everyone else does it like the "norm," and therefore all of them will tell you it's wrong. It's hard to move in a different direction than the norm. Jesus did it. Bill McKibben makes an excellent point: why aren't followers of Christianity doing the same?

He also makes a great point about health care: would Jesus want health care for only those members of society who can afford it? Would he want a health care system that favored large insurance corporations and left the poor and needy in the dust because in an "every man for himself" and "we'll help those who help themselves" sort of plan? Countries like Sweden, where everyone has access to health care and education, seem to be taking Jesus's teachings to heart more than the very "help the rich stay rich" policies the United States government wants to impose now. Conservatives often make the point that "we have worked hard for our money and don't want to give it to the government." I understand that there is more behind this statement than simple selfishness (thinking the government spends money irresposibly, for example, or not wanting to fund the american military), but ultimately this sort of attitude contributes to the selfish reputation Americans are so famous for around the world. Isn't it our responsibility to help OTHERS as well as ourselves? Taxes don't only go to pay for the military. They also pay for education, health care, and countless other things we need to have a healthy citizen body, which we surely don't right now. This was a great line: "It's hard to imagine a con much more audacious than making Christ the front make for a program of tax cuts for the rich or war in Iraq." AMEN.

I also thought that it was an interesting point that the states in this country that call themselves the most Christian are the ones with the highest death penalty rates. I realize that correlation does not equal causation in this case, but it is definitely worth looking at any relationship between how Christianity is interpreted and how the culture uses it in these areas, and how they treat the environment and the people around them. I don't think that the bible itself is responsible for this sort of behavior. I think it is people's interpretations of the bible that cause problems. And there is McKibben's question: why do so many Americans interpret the bible in a way that creates a self-centered, consumerist, hateful culture? I don't understand.

Bill McKibben Reading

Wow the reading for tomorrow was really good!! It really made me think about my life as a Christian and how it is so true that people do these things! I have noticed that a lot of Churches I have attended in my time do talk a lot about politics. There are definitely churches that give to the poor, and help out with the community, but it seems that there is an overwhelming discussion of just gay marriage and abortion. I also have noticed that the Christian community seems to be somewhat exclusive as he cited. They love each other, but not others. Or, they feel for the poor but do nothing. I feel embarrassed and bad for in a way putting down my fellow Christians, but I am one of those people who had my clique of friends in High School and ignored making friends with people of other religions. I did not think that other religions were bad, I just lived in a community that was predominantly Christian. I worked on mission trips, and helped out with the food drives, and things like that, but it was not until college that I realized the true reality of the world. I kind of lived in my perfect little bubble not realizing how bad the state of the world really was. I think a way to combat this is education. As McKibben cited at the beginning of his article, many people cannot tell you what all the Ten Commandments are or the four writers of the Gospels. We are going to need to educate people of the true meaning and teachings of the Bible and work together as a community. I think that Environmental Education could help with this. Educating people on the state of the environment will help them to better learn what we need to be doing as Christians. I believe that we as the biggest nation in the world can do better, and actually make it happen!

thats what Ben Franklin said...

seems that everyone liked the reading about the christian paradox. i generally don't follow trends, but for such a brilliant article i will make an exception. i find it amazing (and not so much in a good way) that two-thirds of Americans think that the quote "God helps those who help themselves" is a biblical one. i will readily admit that i do not read the bible on a regular basis (or even an irregular basis) but i do know that it was Ben Franklin who said that. (as i read that part i joked to myself "well of course that's in the Bible! the four gospels, after all, were written by Matthew, Mark, Luke and Ben Franklin. oh wait, no. John. it was John. i always get those two confused!")
in any case, i just find it hard to believe that people would think that Jesus or God went around saying "hey, you look affluent, let me help you pay for your groceries." the whole point of Jesus telling people to love their neighbor as themselves was to remind us that we arent alone in this world, we need to think of how our actions effect everyone. my neighbor is not only the person in the next house. it is anyone and everyone who needs help. (and just as a side note, since i'm talking about helping people who need help, i strongly encourage everyone to donate money to help the people of Haiti.)

How can we say "Stay warm", but not provide a cloak

Bill McKibbon's article, in some ways, reminds me of the Letter of James where he talked about wishing someone in need to stay warm and well fed, but not doing anything to actually help that person to stay warm and well fed. Mr. McKibbon succinctly challenged our hypocricy. We do say a lot of things about being good Christians, but do not follow through with our actions. This is one of the things that I am most embarrassed about, being a Christian. I fully understand the critiques, they are well warranted.
What would happen if, as Mr. McKibbon says, a modest few of the 85% of Christians in America and the similar proportion in Canada starting making their deeds mirror their words? I think a lot of good can come out of it. This does not mean making the entire world think like us, but to just let deeds follow faith. We could have a major impact on the environmental and social issues. I have hope that we can.
Maybe I need to stop being so worried about how people will react if I said things like Mr. McKibbon did. There have been many times I wanted to. Wish me luck. Good luck to everyone as well.

A Paradox, A Paradox...

I am impressed with how well Bill McKibben can mix together the Christian faith with America's lack of Christianity, all while adding a slight hint of cynicism! I, too, find it rather depressing that although our country claims to be "Christian", many people within its borders do not live a Christian life. Our fast-paced society seems to only utilize the "Christian" label when it works for them. Much attention in the Christian bookstores really do focus on how individuals can better themselves. Obviously, our country did not become like this overnight. The tiny, subtle changes slowly creeped up, creating a generation of "believers" that cannot fully understand what Jesus was implying because they haven't been able to view the Scriptures in that way.

I admit wholeheartedly that I am NOT perfect, nor will I ever be. I will inevitably continue to fail at Christ's teachings because I am human. Does that necessarily mean that I don't TRY to adhere to them? Absolutely not! I want to consider others better than myself. I want to love my neighbor as myself, but why do I find myself sometimes putting stipulations on my actions? Jesus didn't say to help my friend, but not the starving children around the world. There are many teachings in the Bible that I will continue to spend the remainder of my life trying to uphold and live by. Every day is a learning experience that teaches me just how sinful I am and how incredibly pure Jesus is. My hope comes from the fact that although I am just a sinner, I am saved by grace.

I believe that if more people who professed to be Christians would have the opportunity to read some of Bill McKibben's writings and actually take them to heart instead of becoming defensive, our country could begin to turn the tide on the way we live our lives.

The Christian Paradox

From this week's readings, I liked The Christian Paradox the best. Since I was old enough to realize what was going on, I've been confused by people around me, and probably myself, who identify themselves as "Christian" but don't seem to follow very "Christian" ethics. Let me say this up front: I am NOT bashing Christianity. What I am doing is talking openly about the difference between the people that use the word "Christian" and those that live the word "Christian." I also understand that there is more than one interpretation of Christian values.

Anyway, this article interested me when it pointed out the differences between the predominently Christian America and the "godless" countries like Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands. So, if we really are a Christian country...why are these "godless" countries taking better care of their poor? Why is there less hunger? Less murder? Less war?

Sometimes I feel like Christianity is a label people hide behind, much like having a Range Rover keychain to make people think you own a fancy car. Is Christianity becoming all about appearances and less about actions? I think we as a country, and as Christians, need to remember why we identify ourselves that way.

I know I am a hyprocrite, just like many others. I identify myself as Christian, and do believe in God, but I do very little to help others. I give to GoodWill, food shelves, and charities for medical causes (If you can count $2 here and there as giving) but is that really enough? Am I a true Christian yet?

This article confused me a little when it spoke of how this country has become very self-centered with all our self-help and self-empowerment lifestyles. I am in favor of self-improvement. I feel that God wants me to be the best I can be, though I guess the question lies in does the best me have a profitable job that gets me a flat screen, new truck, and gives generously to charity - or is the best me the person who lives on little pay but gives what I can?

But perhaps, I am being too hard on myself. I love my neighbor, I try to make this world better a little at a time. But there is a small voice in my head saying that is a cop-out. That I am never doing enough, because in reality, I could be doing more. Just look at Greg Mortenson sleeping in his car to save money for Pakistan schools.

I don't know, I'm apologize for this wandering post. I just wonder how this Christian country can have so many problems that "godless" countries seem to handle better and more effectively.

Are You The Problem or The Solution?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7WHzqg-3gg

http://www.kirklandsmith.com/?page_id=4

Response to Friday's Class and Readings (1/15/09)

The reading about the inner life and how religion has and does effect our environmental ethic really made me think when they mentioned how we are going to some how have to reach each religion on some level in order to encourage them to become more environmentally conscious. This made me think about several things I have come across over the past few days that made me think about this subject. Bethany sent me an email that said that the Pope said that Avatar was bad because it promoted the environment, but the Episcopal church has a statement on environmental ethics. So frustrating! Why can't we get everyone on board? Dave sent me an article on churches in the West on how they are becoming more environmentally conscious to try to encourage better attendance in church. One church has a farmer's market in their parking lot and now has to pay taxes because that exempts them from their tax free status. They are willing to pay that fee to encourage people coming. I think according to the reading we really are going to have to adapt to the surrounding cultures and religions to encourage better stewardship, this means that we will have to somehow find a way to convince some Christians too which I hope maybe my project on creation care will help in this effort!

Role Play Post

Hey! The role play was great! First of all, wasn't it shocking how kind, thoughtful, and conscious our factory owner (Laell) was? This made me think of two things. 1, it's such the norm that leaders in these positions try to weasel out of paying for the consequences of their environmental destruction, that hearing a factory head actually want to work with the community seems like an anomaly. The role playing activity also reminded me of the story in Natural Steps, about people downstream building hospitals to better take care of the injured bodies that keep coming downstream, instead of going upstream to look at what is causing the bodies to fall in in the first place. When something like a fish kill happens, there are so many steps leading up to it... lack of eco-conscious decision making in many areas. That is the scary part-- so many of these problems could be prevented! Environmental Education to the rescue! Getting EE programs into schools, combined with active citizens taking part in local politics and environmental issues, will hopefully make a come back. Think of the charisma and power the environmental movement had in the 70s! They had the whole world in their hands! I wonder how a meeting like Copenhagen compares to the international meetings that were happening during the 70s when all the legislation was being passed... Sometimes it seems like the peak for US investment in environmental issues was then and now we're just trying to stay afloat... but I have hope! The article Dave just gave us from this month's Journal of Environmental Education had some great things to say about how little things DO make a difference.

And 2, wasn't it interesting that our role play was interrupted by the EPA commissioner, who doesn't seem to be too concerned with the environment at all? What would it have been like if HE were the factory owner? He would have dismissed our questions, skirted around the reality of the situation, and spoken to us in a condescending manner.

It's too darn bad the role play wasn't real life, and the real life commissioner is really, actually in charge of Indiana's environment.

Best quote from the day: "That 49 number is fake." -Thomas Easterly

It's Tough Owning a Factory!

Whew, that discussion was hard on me, but it was good, too. You guys really stretched my brain and the conflict-resoultion side of me. You thought up really HARD questions! I'm glad that phonecall came when it did because Jen had me stumped. I've read the posts saying how smooth everything went. I chose my character's position for a reason. I know that in this field many of us are quick to judge "big business," including myself. When I was placed in that position for class... it made me think that there's got to be heads of companies out there that aren't ONLY concerned with the bottom line. My local paper company that I researched to get my info for the discussion is trying hard to be as green as a paper company can be. I think there are some factory owners out there, maybe more than we think, who would be concerned with the environment, or at least saving face, and do what they could to make things right.

Is Trade Really Free?

I was really inspired and delighted by the trip to Goshen and getting the chance to meet and talk with some wonderful people. Kudos and a big Thank-you for taking time out of their presumably busy schedule to talk to a bunch of students. I was really interested the fair trade talk. I must admit I was not totally abreast on the meaning of the word in it's entirety. It is funny how things are expressed differently in the city and I come here and there is an official word for just paying people what they are worth for the product in which they create. I was really interested in this talk on fair trade because for those who do not know I went to the Bahamas for Christmas, yes I had to say it again; however in light of our family vacation, my husband and I have been toying around with the idea of buying a home there to retire or possibly live there in the winters and spend our summers here in the states. This has been going on for the past 11 years in which we have visited. Did I say all this to give you insights to our visions and goals, quite the contrary! This particular visit, we made some monumental movements and steps towards really exploring this option. We sought out Realtors and car rental and traveled by bus throughout the island leaving the tourist part. Even as I write this I am really disheartened at some of the things in which we found. Once you leave Free port (tourist) and travel into the native settlements there is a really different landscape. I noticed that natives were walking and riding the bus for miles to set up these shops in order to sell their merchandise. The sense of oppression I saw has me repressing depression because it reminds me of slavery. It really hurt me to go to the grocery store and spend $10 for a gallon of milk because it is imported from the US and then taxed knowing if I was having reservations with paying it in the words of a native "how do you think we feel"? As a result of this whole EE introduction, I literally cried seeing the devastation of the island in the native settlements where they were clear cutting and degrading the land to make the tourist part look good. I found out that there is no plan for recycling, and green initiatives have yet to reach Free port ie trash. I wrestled with a feeling of helplessness realizing that yes I went there for fun and pleasure, yet there are people who live there and are suffering for my pleasure. Tourism is the number economic push followed by imports primarily of concrete. It is something when you look at the vast array of American business which have set up shop and then are really exploiting the natives because they can not afford to live in their own land, are working for these companies but are struggling. I agree with Myron when he referred to the economic dance requires that a decent wage for decent work in order to make a decent living.

Toxic Times

Growing up in a farming community that utilizes mass quantities of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and various other -icides, when one actually takes the time to think about all aspects of the sprays and chemicals, aside from the advertised benefits for crop yield, there are many scary side effects that could and are happening from their usage. It is true that one application of Roundup may be beneficial for one farmer on a 40 acre field, but what about the other miscellaneous additives that are used on surrounding fields and the run-off that mixes them all together. Many citizens don't think about the long term ramifications of these harmful substances conglomerating underneath the surface, filtering into our drinking water. Agriculture in and of itself isn't bad; it is needed to sustain the tons of food that must be manufactured for our world. On the other hand, the synthetic chemicals and sprays that are utilized to reach new heights in crop production and yield should be thoroughly tested before allowed to be spread across vast acres of prime real estate. Obviously there are multiple other forms of toxic contaminants being infiltrated into the soil and air from other sources, and I cannot merely point the blame finger at other individuals. Each and every person has his/her impact on the planet, but there are sources of toxic chemcials that are blowing/leaking/pouring these harmful substances into the atmosphere, the soil, and the water that should look a little farther into the future and decide what kind of world they want to leave behind for their children.

Fish Kill Discussion -
As a Native American attending the town meeting, I would first of all consider it an honor to even be able to speak my opinion, especially since my tribe is considered a minority, though generations ago we were the first inhabitants before the white people made us move to the reservation. The fact that the owner of the paper mill was willing to made amends for the chlorine spill that killed vast amounts of our staple food source was surprising and reassuring. Other tribes throughout the area have not been as lucky. The treaty we signed with the white people six generations ago assured us that we could still fish in the river for our food sources, as well as our traditional ceremonies honoring the fish and the spirits that continually bring us our means of survival. As the years have progressed and the white people have become more dominant, the fish supply has significantly dwindled. Sometimes the fish taste a little different than they should, and some of our tribe have become sick, but this has only lasted for a little while. Now, with the fish kill, we are concerned that another kill of this magnitude could potentially threaten the very existence of our tribe. What would be do or where would we go if the fish become so contaminated that we cannot fish anymore? Much discussion, sitting around a campfire, smoking a peace pipe, and eating fish from the river with the white business people may make them more inclined to see things our way; the way of the world before we knew what chlorine and toxic substances were.

toxicology

Oh toxicology, what memories! I can remember my laboratories in university applying different doses of chemicals to plants to see determine what level of exposure would be toxic and which would not. Quite fun, most of the time. It also reminded me of conducting risk assessments for sites that were so contaminated that there is no feasible way to clean it up. That was depressing.
Some of the most frustrating things that I found while working, in essence, with toxicology and with the readings was not necessarily the science. Scientists are trying to determine what is a safe exposure, because we have learned over the years that chemicals are quite dangerous. What really annoys me is that we continuously find new chemicals to replace the old dangerous ones and that we assume that they are safe after 10 years of tests and then begin using the new "safe" ones excessively. We brag about how great they are and then are shocked 20 years later to learn that they are not as wonderfully great. Will we ever learn? One of the most disheartening parts of my former job was also the economic side of it. Being a little bit of an environmentalist I wanted to clean up the contaminants immediately. I hated to wait for the time when the client was willing to pay for the clean up (mainly when the ministry was starting to breathe down their necks). It seemed like everyone recognised that the contamination was bad...but spending the money to clean it up was worse.
FISH KILL/TOWN HALL ROLE PLAYING
I think every mayor would have loved to have a town hall meeting like we did. Everyone was so civil, willing to listen, and our industry owner responsible for the spill was unbelievably willing to take responsibility and assist with compensation for loss of income.
Looking back, I think that I would have been supported to start imposing stricter environmental regulations on the industry, and therefore all industry in the town. There did not seem to be any disagreement from the pulp and paper mill owner or the chamber of commerce. We could have become the environmental leaders of the world!
Unfortunately, I do not believe all mayors are that lucky. Court cases that I have read suggest otherwise. I can understand the fine line that all mayors have to walk and do not envy them. Obviously they need to look after the health of their community: economic, social, and physical health. However, what everyone notices the most is the economic health, in other words the economic health is the most visible the quickest. Therefore, politicians are, in some ways, forced to focus primarily on that. And if they want to do something good for their community, they need to follow that system. As much as I complain about the current Prime Minister, I do think that he believes he is doing something good for Canada and that if he does focus on environmental concerns he is going to lose the economic powerhouses of Canada and completely ruin the country. I think it is short-sighted, but that is what most people notice and if he wants to be re-elected he has to focus on the short-term, noticeable health indicators: economics. I do not envy any politician their job.

Blog about Class and the Fish Kill

I was pretty pleased with our short discussion on the fish kill. I thought it was a challenge being the preacher because I want to be able to empathize with everyone, but also be able to let the public know what is right. What is right is the paper company getting rid of their harmful ways, paying for clean up, and bettering the community around them. I thought I would suggest maybe some classes and youth groups being able to visit and learn about the problems of environmental degradation, but that was sort of mentioned in the discussion. I think we should have a debate though with people switching their characters around too! Great class today!

origins of cap and trade?

First of all, I love the trip to Goshen today - thanks grad profs for arranging all those very interesting meetings! It was great to hear all of the different perspectives and what different people with different careers can do to help the community and the environment. I thought the most interesting part of the discussions we had was listening to how very practical and by the books the mayor had to speak. Every time he was asked about vision A, for example, he answered with practical aspects only of what would have to happen to reach vision A. We read so much theory (and utopian theory at that!) it is a nice change to have a conversation about how the visions of these visionaries come to play in a city the size of Goshen.

I also thought it was great that Myron is doing so much to support fair trade for his business. The roast-his-own coffee idea was great! It's super to see local business owners doing unconventional things like that. Although, his answer to Maddie's question that food bought locally is technically fair trade because it was purchased in the United States where we presumably have laws to protect the workers was a bit questionable... one has to do a lot of research in this country to find out if they are buying supplies from companies who pays migrant workers in cash and gives them no benefits or protection and treat them very poorly. There are a lot of companies who abuse the availability of cheap, disposable labor in this country.

The readings for last night were great! I loved reading about the Pigou and Coase theory-- sounds like the beginnings of Cap & Trade to me! I found it interesting that the reading mentions that Pigou and Coases's environmental economic theories are often criticized because there were problems with the practical applications of them (in Europe, for example). Cap and Trade has been tried and there are clear problems (like Annie Leonard says in the Story of Cap and Trade), but does the United States examine these problems and learn from them? It doesn't seem that way... I don't know how much the plan was tailored to work better than the already failed cap & trade policies in Europe. This is something I'd like to know more about.

Also, the Buddhist economic plan is wonderful. Imagine a world where we practiced "economics as if people mattered..." (Steiguer, p177). It seems that Ten Thousand Villages are practicing these kinds of economics. And Electric Brew as well. Also, Rachel's Bread in Goshen is quite people conscious! I hope this idea spreads....

Quite a hopeful day!

natural primer reading

i really liked the Natural Primer reading (not in small part due to the fact that economics is doesnt make sense). the idea of using backcasting, instead of forecasting, is something i have always wondered why people dont just do. looking into the past to guide you into the future can only go so far before it becomes useless. just because something didnt work before doesnt mean it wont work now, and conversely, just because something did work before doesnt mean it will work again. forecasting seems to be seeing a problem and looking at previous solutions to follow again without giving much thought to where we'll end up. it just seems to me that if the problem is similar enough that you can compare possible solutions chances are if you have the same problem again the same solution will not fix it permanently. but if we look forward to where we want to end up our chances of coming up with an appropriate solution are much better.

i always love reading about how things are connected. how doing something in one place affects what happens somewhere else. it makes me think back to what Fritjof Capra said "we cannot understand our problems in isolation." nor can we hope to fix our problems in isolation. if we try we only end up with a problem somewhere else.

Sustainable Development

The reading for Monday talks a lot about environmental justice again, and it brings in a lot of the realities of environmental economics, and how we as a westernized society are favoring a certain group of people while degrading our environment and injuring many people of this world who have to deal with our environmental selfishness. I like how Mr. Schumacher talks about Buddhist Economics because I think that this is a way that we can start working together to manage the resources that we have left, and work towards a sustainable future. I believe that we have to start doing something now by integrating our economy into this equation, and working towards a better set of ethics.

I like the article called Natural Step Primer a lot because it talks about sustainable development, and I think that that they really hit the nail on the head here with what we need to do for the future. They define sustainable development in the article as being “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” This reminds me of the Seventh Generation company that holds its philosophy in preserving the Earth for seven generations to come. This is the way that we need to run our economy.

They also mention in this article the problems we are having because we are not being sustainable and that we all have the same fate because of our lack of awareness and action towards taking care of our environment. There are going to be drastic changes that come because of our limited fossil fuel resources, but I do not want to get to that point. I want to start now and fix some of the problems that we have created, so that my children and grandchildren will not ask me why I got to experience such beauty in the natural world and they did not. I am willing to give up things that I personally enjoy such as decreasing the length of my showers and their frequency, because water is going to become a huge problem of the future. I will be willing to give up my car, because it is not a "right" in my opinion. I think a lot of people feel that they are entitled to things, and this runs on our materialistic culture as they discussed in the economics section. We are going to have to eliminate this, and learn to work together as Mr. Schumacher mentions in his Buddhist Economics theme, or things are just going to continue to get worse.

Buddhist Economics

I just read the Steiguer article on Shumacher's "Small is Beautiful" that mentions "Buddhist Economics." Personally, and as all of you probably already know, economics confuses the heck out of me. I'll stick to my tree ID and latin names. But the way these Buddhist economics were explained... I think I actaully understood! I see that they are a sort of Utopian view that is probably next to impossible to achieve, but I think we as a nation as well as the entire world would be much better off if we adopted these economic priciples.

• Work must allow humans to develop their faculties
• Work must enable people to overcome their ego-centeredness by having them work with others towards a common goal
• Work must bring forth the goods and services needed for human existance

These seem like pretty common sense things, but they are often overrun by greedy companies and consumers seeking a life of material possesions. Not that I am innocent... there are some material possesions I love that have... but there are also others I will give up for the sake of the environment.

I like that the Buddhist Economics speaks of treating the earth and environment better, even in the attainment of business goals, since we all have to keep on living here! It seems such a simple concept...crazy how it hasn't caught on. People are more concered with what they are gaining right now, especially those companies causing major environmental damage while producing and selling their products.

I say, YAY Buddhist Economics! Let's be good to the Earth, even when pursing economic goals, so we all can have a place to live while pursuing those goals....

Justice for All!

Environmental equity is "poison people equally"
Environemental justice is "stop poisoning people period"

I really enjoyed the past class topic where we were so conveniently talking about Environmental justice. I found myself really inspired and like I could really do it, meaning my research project which happens to be exploring the knowledge and literacy of pastors concerning environmental justice issues. Secretly I have been contemplating completing tackling this issue because I was plainly just scared of exposing the truth of this issue in the community in which I reside which I feared would bring backlash; however I realize that I can do it and if not me then who because I know first hand the environmental concerns of my area in regards to environmental justice and plainly put some of the things happening in Gary are really environmental injustice. I have accepted my assignment so lets proceed. I was really impressed by Majora and the work in which she is doing and has yet to do concerning this issue. I think something she pointed out in which I always say is that in order to really combat this issue it requires us to come on one accord (yeah I use that phrase alot) realizing that we generally are striving for the same things. I am adopting her as my mentor whether she knows it or not.

EJ

Hey Y'all, Hope you enjoyed yesterday's class with Majora Carter (www.majoracartergroup.com) and Jerome Ringo (www.apolloalliance.org).

Here's the major principles of Environmental Justice which sounds like other utopian documents. Dagnabit - when are we not going to have them be utopian????

WE, THE PEOPLE OF COLOR, gathered together at this multinational People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit, to begin to build a national and international movement of all peoples of color to fight the destruction and taking of our lands and communities, do hereby re-establish our spiritual interdependence to the sacredness of our Mother Earth; to respect and celebrate each of our cultures, languages and beliefs about the natural world and our roles in healing ourselves; to insure environmental justice; to promote economic alternatives which would contribute to the development of environmentally safe livelihoods; and, to secure our political, economic and cultural liberation that has been denied for over 500 years of colonization and oppression, resulting in the poisoning of our communities and land and the genocide of our peoples, do affirm and adopt these Principles of Environmental Justice:

1) Environmental Justice affirms the sacredness of Mother Earth, ecological unity and the interdependence of all species, and the right to be free from ecological destruction.

2) Environmental Justice demands that public policy be based on mutual respect and justice for all peoples, free from any form of discrimination or bias.

3) Environmental Justice mandates the right to ethical, balanced and responsible uses of land and renewable resources in the interest of a sustainable planet for humans and other living things.

4) Environmental Justice calls for universal protection from nuclear testing, extraction, production and disposal of toxic/hazardous wastes and poisons and nuclear testing that threaten the fundamental right to clean air, land, water, and food.

5) Environmental Justice affirms the fundamental right to political, economic, cultural and environmental self-determination of all peoples.

6) Environmental Justice demands the cessation of the production of all toxins, hazardous wastes, and radioactive materials, and that all past and current producers be held strictly accountable to the people for detoxification and the containment at the point of production.

7) Environmental Justice demands the right to participate as equal partners at every level of decision-making, including needs assessment, planning, implementation, enforcement and evaluation.

8) Environmental Justice affirms the right of all workers to a safe and healthy work environment without being forced to choose between an unsafe livelihood and unemployment. It also affirms the right of those who work at home to be free from environmental hazards.

9) Environmental Justice protects the right of victims of environmental injustice to receive full compensation and reparations for damages as well as quality health care.

10) Environmental Justice considers governmental acts of environmental injustice a violation of international law, the Universal Declaration On Human Rights, and the United Nations Convention on Genocide.

11) Environmental Justice must recognize a special legal and natural relationship of Native Peoples to the U.S. government through treaties, agreements, compacts, and covenants affirming sovereignty and self-determination.

12) Environmental Justice affirms the need for urban and rural ecological policies to clean up and rebuild our cities and rural areas in balance with nature, honoring the cultural integrity of all our communities, and provided fair access for all to the full range of resources.

13) Environmental Justice calls for the strict enforcement of principles of informed consent, and a halt to the testing of experimental reproductive and medical procedures and vaccinations on people of color.

14) Environmental Justice opposes the destructive operations of multi-national corporations.

15) Environmental Justice opposes military occupation, repression and exploitation of lands, peoples and cultures, and other life forms.

16) Environmental Justice calls for the education of present and future generations which emphasizes social and environmental issues, based on our experience and an appreciation of our diverse cultural perspectives.

17) Environmental Justice requires that we, as individuals, make personal and consumer choices to consume as little of Mother Earth's resources and to produce as little waste as possible; and make the conscious decision to challenge and reprioritize our lifestyles to insure the health of the natural world for present and future generations.

http://www.ejnet.org/ej/principles.html

Welcome Back!!!

So, I couldn't resist putting these two environmental cartoons on the blog. I was sitting at home in the thriving metropolis of Berne, IN reading a farmer newspaper and saw these two. See...even farming magazines are talking about environmental issues. Now, I'm not saying I agree with these, but I thiought they were rather clever after all!

Furthermore, hopefully these two cartoons give you a small chuckle after reading some of the disheartening things that are happening throughout our country with urbanization. It can be a lot to handle for one class period after coming off of Christmas!

Urbanization

I visited Washington, DC over my Christmas break and had a bit of a culture shock after staying there for a few days. I felt clausterphobic, alone, and very much conscious of the lack of kindness. After reading the urbanization reading I couldn't help but think about my recent experiences and those I have had in the past. Washington DC does not have the best public transportation. They are still mainly a driving city, and the cities in Virginia leading into DC are the same: horrible cramped traffic, and much honking of horns. The roads are disgusting too (regardless of the 2 feet of snow we got clobbered with). I was just astonished too at the people just aimlessly dropping their trash on the ground, and these are 1st world cities. I went to Beliize in 2003 and landed in their national capitol to see a city that looked like slums. The sanitation is horrible, and as the reading put, more and more people are living in these cities, and the statistics are getting worse as the demand grows higher. I think about how gross I felt in DC, and then I cannot imagine the poor living conditions that places like Calcutta have. This does not even include the problems we have with water. I remember when I visited Las Vegas and they had a sign in the bathroom that instructed you to put your towel on the hook and pull your covers up on your bed to tell the maid not to change them so that they can preserve water. This was in 2007. I am well aware of the water problems that we have, but the problems of the West and all over the world really are down right scary! How do we educate people about doing better? Especially economically stressed people? What do we do to improve their lives? Can we if struggle in our first world cities as well? I am sure that there is an answer. It will require a lot of input from governments and rebuilding and cleanup on their parts for these stressed cities, but I know that we can do it!