Query #10 - Environmental Responsibility

As a society, we are doing zilch. However, may of us are becoming more accepting that we are the ones who are causing this problem. We use twenty-five times more resources than many in the world. There are those, like Al Gore, who are making this his life’s work. Little techniques: Turn your water heater down a degree; air dry laundry, air conditioning and heating…vary it by one degree or turn down at night; wall chargers for cell phones, yank it from the wall when a cell phone is not inserted; walk from place to place when shopping, rather than driving; use compact fluorescent bulbs; cut back to one car; car pool. Al Gore’s movie and website lists twelve easy techniques, as well.

Do we see unreasonable exploitation in our relationship with the rest of creation? How can we nurture reverence and respect for life: How can we become more fully aware of our interdependent relationship with the rest of creation?

Percentage of people who are convinced that we need to be doing something now about global warming is increasing. We need an energy source that makes sense, and we also need spiritual vistas. We get insulated as a society when we layer wants and “needs” upon each other. We bring ourselves closer to life when we take long lives. Getting a dog has put me in touch with reverence for life.

Fifty years ago no one thought about the environment. People threw refuse out of their car windows and cigarette butts were everywhere. In the 1960’s hippies who lived in the Colorado mountains asked what they could do to save the environment. They were told to pick up the trash on the mountain trails. They did this and everyone enjoyed the restored beauty.

Another way is to become a vegetarian. Many of them are not eating other creatures is respect for them and some because of the large amount of feed necessary for cattle. Another story was told of a dinner recently where everyone there had 23 oz. Rib eye steaks even though a 14 oz. Fillet proved to be too large for one meal. Gluttony is definitely a part of the environmental concern. Are we eating an appropriate share when 5% of the world’s population consume at least 25% of the world’s portion.

To what extent are we aware of all life and the role we play? What can we do in our own lives and communities to address environmental concerns?

Encourage recycling in large living communities. When we use leather and eat meat we should be aware of the energy and life of the animal. We take for granted having meat five to seven times a week. Is the number of times you eat meat the issue…or reverence for the animal? Reverence for plant life is important; trees have a spirit, as well. We have a hierarchy in our reverence for life. One member spoke of being a hunter earlier in life, preparing the meat and feeding it to his family. It made him aware of life, and the role he played. Being close to the earth, farming, raising chickens, engenders respect for farmers, and an awareness of our relationship with the rest of creation. Bit by bit, we are becoming more conscious and moving toward saving the earth.