Five of us gathered together this week to begin the sustainability discussion group. The first articles from the Choices For Sustainability Living reader ignited good conversation. (The reader is available at the reserve desk of Ludke library.) James Howard Kunstler’s Making Other Arrangements impacted the group the most. The piece is relevant to what is happening in American presently with the economic recession and urgency to decrease our dependence on foreign oil. We encourage others at Lesley to ready Kunstler’s piece. Let us know what you think. http://www.orionmagazine.org/index.php/articles/article/7/
Paige Manning
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Thanks Paige for posting, and for sharing the article!
A couple other notes from the first meeting:
When it comes to the question of being optimistic or pessimistic about whether we can make large systemic changes to a more sustainable way of life, it is clear that there are no easy answers. Our discussion brought up a couple useful perspectives.
It is easy to become pessimistic when faced with all the negative messages we are bombarded with about current crises, and when we see how many people don't "buy into" systems even as simple as recycling.
However, if we let ourselves become pessimistic, then we give up on trying to make change, and change won't happen.
One of the most practical approaches is to focus on "self-optimism": what changes DO you, and CAN you make in your own life. We can be practical about the things we can control, and feel competent in making these changes. This approach also has another benefit: we are leading by example. Never underestimate the power of a positive role model.
Another approach to stay optimistic is to notice and let others know things that we can easily do. For instance, it wasn't that difficult, or much more expensive, for Bon Apetite to provide a more environmentally-friendly catering service, especially because most of their food is already local. All one has to do is ask. Build opportunities to do things differently, notice the opportunities that are there, and get the word out!
Finally, we can view an optimistic perspective as a profound, conscious choice that we make. Two quotes from the reading are very relevant:
"Some of you are probably wondering how you are supposed to remain hopeful in the face of these enormous tasks. Here's the plain truth, folks: Hope is not a consumer product. You have to generate your own hope. You do that by demonstrating to yourself that you are brave enough to face reality and competent enough to deal the circumstances that it presents. How we will manage to uphold a decent society in the face of extraordinary change will depend on our creativity, our generosity, and our kindness, and I am confident that we can find these resources within our own hearts, and collectively within our own communities." (James Howard Kunstler, "Making Other Arrangements; emphasis mine.)
"So this epochal transition to life-sustaining civilization is underway. It is a reality. Granted, there is no guarantee we can pull it off in time. We cannot tell yet which will happen first: the final unraveling of complex life forms on earth, or the moment when the elements of a sustainable civilization cohere and catch hold. But without that gamble, could our full courage and creativity be ignited? And, even if the Great Turning "fails", it still promises to be our greatest moment. For it signals the realization that we are conscious members of the living body of the Earth. It summons our gratitude for the miracle of life, and reveals the moral beauty that gift can bring." (Joanna Macy, The Great Turning, emphasis mine.)
Hope is not easy, because the reality of our lives are not easy. But we can create hope, and choose hope, by choosing our actions and our attitudes.
For myself, I saw what happens if we give up on the hope of transforming our society. If anyone has read Derrick Jensen, or other anti-civilization activists, you'll understand. For me, I care about the values and ethics we pass on to the next generation. I have no doubt that humanity will survive whatever crises face us; but what will those generations inherit? How will they remember us? I believe in our courage, compassion, caring, and creativity, and I will not give up on the possibility of a society based in a new paradigm of values: sustainability, justice, and caring.
We are not alone in facing the great challenges of our time. Appreciate the little things you do, every day, to make a positive difference in the world. And appreciate the things people are doing all around you.
Thank you to everyone who has joined the discussion. I'll see you Thursday!
FYI, The line I meant to highlight in the 1st quote is:
HOPE IS NOT A CONSUMER PRODUCT.
Also, if anyone wants an extra copy of the reader, I have one; I accidentally ordered 2.
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