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.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Friday, January 8, 2010
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....
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
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.
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
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
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
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!
Monday, January 4, 2010
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!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Reading stories like the women's struggle in Los Angeles makes me very excited for the things that our class of women can do. The statistics cited in the article are heart-wrenching and disgusting. Why does one out of every five Black and Hispanic Americans live in communities with uncontrolled toxic sites? Why are seventy-five percent of residents in rural areas in the Southwest, mainly Hispanic, drinking pesticide-contaminated water? Why are millions of tonnes of uranium tailings dumped on First Nations reserves? This is unspeakable! Someone needs to stop this!
While I'm all for government, people need to speak up and make sure the government understands what is important to the people. The examples from Los Angeles show that women are extremely capable of achieving major things. They are able to stop policies that hurt the people.
Our class of women can do the same thing. Let’s learn the issues, figure out what is in the best interest of the people (health, financial, basic needs, etc) and work towards that goal. We can inform policy, so let’s get other women involved and make these changes. Others may laugh and smile at our actions, but the women in Los Angeles can be our example. Let’s keep working together.
While I'm all for government, people need to speak up and make sure the government understands what is important to the people. The examples from Los Angeles show that women are extremely capable of achieving major things. They are able to stop policies that hurt the people.
Our class of women can do the same thing. Let’s learn the issues, figure out what is in the best interest of the people (health, financial, basic needs, etc) and work towards that goal. We can inform policy, so let’s get other women involved and make these changes. Others may laugh and smile at our actions, but the women in Los Angeles can be our example. Let’s keep working together.
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