Carol (and Brodie):
>Definition of sustainable. Now there's a tough one. To me it means not
>ever harming Mother Earth.
It is arrogant to think that we can harm Earth. She will be here long after
all evidence of our species has disappeared. Sustainability means that we
use only that which is naturally replaced. The best argument in favor of
sustainability is that our descendents a hundred generations hence deserve
to have as good a planetary home as we now enjoy.
>We have curbside recycling of cans (both steel and aluminum) and glass, as
>well as plastic bottles, newspapers, magazines, cardboard, and mail, so that
>part is easy. In addition I take plastic tubs from stuff like margarine and
>organic tofu as well as bags made from number 2 and number 4 plastic to a
>local eco-supermarket to be recycled. Also, Oregon has a bottle and can law
>which requires the purchaser to pay a deposit on most beverage cans and
>bottles, so I return these to the eco-supermarket for a refund or for
>donation to a program that helps the homeless.
We should start calling this what it is: collecting for recycling. We all
feel good about "recycling" when in fact it is likely that few of us
actually recycle, we just collect and hope that the materials are in fact
recycled. My best is that I recycle my food--into me, out of me into a
bucket, to a composting container, to feed fruit trees, and back to feeding
me. A closed loop, the best way to recycle, but I know of no other that we
individuals have control over. And how many do even this?
Arguably, our most unsustainable actions are how we transport ourselves.
Anything beyond walking is not sustainable and even walking is
problemmatical depending on footwear. And who among us will give up wheels?
For that matter--and now watch the rationalizing--how about these computers
we are all using to talk to each other?
>I truly want to learn to be good for the
>earth. I want to live in a way that heals, not harms.
There you go, not just sustainability but regeneration. Continually educate
yourself and live as intelligently as you can and be an example to others.
Buy local, especially food items, but all products that are transportated.
Sell your products locally. Buy land and care for it by mostly leaving it
alone, but do what is necessary to protect the watershed.
Gene GeRue, author,
How To Find Your Ideal Country Home
http://www.ruralize.com
"Find your place on the planet and dig in."
- Gary Snyder, from an essay in Turtle Island
