Resource Highlight: Quakers Practicing Sustainability ~ In April, the world celebrated Earth Day and the need for action is more urgent than ever, even as demonstrated by this piece written in the year 2000, it is as relevant as ever. In this resource provided by Quaker Earthcare Witness, we dive into how sustainability poses a profound challenge to our societal norms and individual behaviors, urging us to reconsider our relationship with the Earth and all its inhabitants. As we witness the convergence of spiritual, ecological, and economic crises, the call for sustainable living echoes through different realms of thought. Quaker beliefs intersect with this discourse, advocating for a holistic approach that integrates peace, simplicity, equality, community, and integrity into ecological sustainability. At its core, sustainability demands a profound transformation in our lifestyles, challenging us to reevaluate consumption patterns, advocate for policy change, and cultivate a more harmonious relationship with the Earth.
Some queries to consider as individuals and as Friends:
• How do our testimonies of peace and simplicity relate to ecological concerns?
• How can I live simply that others may simply live?
• Are my purchases really necessary?
• How can I support and regenerate my local economy?
• How can I support sustainable practices in food production and energy consumption?
• Should we in North America not be seeking ways to cut down our consumption?
• How can we engage in Friendly dialogue with our political and business leaders on how to change laws, policies and taxes to foster sustainable resources management?
• How do we develop and support an ecological witness on national and international policy?
• How can we stop supporting unsustainable practices?
• How can we cooperate more within our Meeting Community for mutual help and more efficient use of resources?
We have a responsibility to support a just transition to a more sustainable way of life, as individuals, as members of our Meetings, as a Society, and as members of the wider world.
This means that we in North America need radically change the way we live. We need to cut down on our consumption by every means possible. We need to challenge our political and corporate leaders to change the paradigm from economic growth to ecological sustainability.
• Find ways to use cars less or do without.
• Work for practical, efficient public transportation systems where you live.
• Limit the number of children you have.
• Support family planning programs that respect women’s rights and aspirations and support their education.
• Buy local, organically grown food with minimal packaging, or grow your own.
• Purchase clothing, furniture, building materials, tools, etc., used or, if new, from reliable sources who have produced the items sustainably and equitably.
• Reduce your need for newly manufactured items.
• Recycle all that you can, and purchase items made from recycled products.
• Invest savings in socially responsible funds or with socially responsible companies, or live without excess funds.
• Support “green businesses.”
• Work in your community with others on issues of sustainability and pollution prevention.
• Form a study circle to learn about the economic disparities of globalization on the Earth Community.
• Create ways to share resources.
• Reduce your use of energy.