"Eco"

"I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in."
--John Muir

"The human spirit needs places where nature has not been rearranged by the hand of man."
--Unknown

Apparently, "green" acres are becoming popular (unlike the television show). Ithaca, New York is a prime example. What's more, this village embodies the spirit of the commune. But the residents are quick to dismiss a simple label. This collective group of families live on 175 acres of land, regularly share meals together, and tend the adjacent organic farm. And while the village is still part of the electrical grid, the group estimates it has an ecological impact 40% smaller than that of a comparable mainstream community. Cultivating (no pun intended) a green lifestyle is becoming standard for many, with visibility continually spreading. Starting from a slide show, former Vice President Al Gore's documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, has targeted the effects of global warming. Businesses are revamping energy usage, light bulbs are lasting longer, and the term "carbon footprint" is becoming common language. Is a green revolution on the horizon? Or is it simply a faddish trend?

While many fail to grasp the full implications, global warming is truly becoming a debated subject. Scientists fall on each side of the argument, many firm in its existence, others hesitant to acknowledge. But does this subject matter have deeper roots? Does caring for the planet have spiritual implications? While many may disagree with me, I will not hesitate to say yes. Look back to the narrative in Genesis and consider this comment. God is conversing with Adam and Eve, stating, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground." Notice the italicized word? Subdue...this is the word in question, for what synonyms come to mind? Overcome, suppress, control, tame, discipline and restrain can be discovered in the dictionary. And unfortunately, this is the approach man brings to his environment. Although he is referring to humanity, I remember a remark Agent Smith made to Morpheus in "The Matrix" (1999), directed by Andy & Larry Wachowski. Removing his earpiece, Smith smugly glances at Morpheus and reveals his revelation: "Every mammal on this planet develops a natural equilibrium with the surrounding environment, but you humans do not. You move to an area and multiply and multiply until every natural resource is consumed and the only way you can survive is to spread to another area." In short, he deems humanity a virus.

This truth is sobering. And remember, I did use the word truth. Oil consumption in emerging countries continues to grow as does the corresponding pollutants. It's vexing, but for many, conservation seems to be subject matter for elementary school. But as the aging process unfolds, the consumption patterns follow. And this is a good segue for another word: entitlement. In God's commission to Adam and Eve, it appears at first glance he is extending ownership to them. But I think otherwise when I consider this thought by the ancient king David: "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world and all who live in it." What I notice in this declaration is a simple truth--God owns the earth. I continue to be humbled with advances in technology, harnessing elements in nature for profound energy output. But when does this ability become excess? When does unnecessary waste become visible?

Numerous followers of Christ dismiss the importance of resource stewardship, holding to the view the earth is a sinking ship and all resources should be extracted for personal needs. But when St. Paul teaches, he shares otherwise, remarking, "Creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay." Perhaps this bondage results with Adam's fruit fumble and the toil for food he now faces, the sweat for meals. Surprisingly, the word "steward" is used only as a noun in the Scriptures, the person in charge of overseeing the household affairs. But over time, this word has evolved into a verb, indicative of personal responsibility. In fact, it is often used in terms of wealth management. But like dollars and cents, every one has limited resources, including the earth. And it will yield these resources until the well is dry. But when one considers the word renewable, amazing possibilities arise. For instance, when water is fully harnessed in good time, pollution will drastically fall and lungs will inhale cleaner air. Currently, a debate revolves around ethanol, harnessing corn as alternative energy for vehicles. But once again, corn is nonrenewable and the costs will be shifted elsewhere.

Jesus constantly references the "kingdom of God" in his teachings and references these words: "restoration" and "redemption" and "recreation". And he invites his listeners to walk into this current reality, this way of life here and now. Furthermore, the Scriptures reveal "a new earth" unfolding when all is restored. This is a glimpse of "heaven" for me, the reality outside my window as it should be--no steel or bricks, asphalt or cement, skyscrapers or particulate matter, acid rain or smog. I envision the flowers no eye has ever seen, growing only to reveal its color for its maker, streams that calm my soul, a breeze that chills my arms. I recently picked up The World is Flat by Thomas Friedman. He argues the world is growing smaller through globalization and communication. While I agree with this statement, I wish to share a story. Two years ago I took my first cruise with my brother and headed to Cozumel, Mexico. And while many memories stay with me, I will not forget standing on the ship's deck and looking in four directions, knowing I am completely surrounded by water extending to each horizon. For anyone willing, write this book...The World is Big.

Like all disciplines, I have trained myself to look for opportunities to reduce waste and curb excess wherever possible. What does this look like? Consider this. From time to time, I notice the faucet running in the office restroom. Perhaps the previous gentleman accidentally left it on. I turn it off. I recycle all plastic bottles, cans, boxes, glass, and papers that pass through our home, going behind my siblings when they fail to. I have two friends who jab me for always using the hand dryer when it's available at gas stations and restaurants. They call me a "tree hugger". Perhaps I should pick up a tee shirt with this text on it because I have discovered I am. I love the planet I live on and wish to instill this attitude in my children. Americans tend to be short-sighted, but preserving what exists now is vital for upcoming generations. And while the efforts I have partaken in are small, the collective impact is staggering.

Caring for the earth is a spiritual practice. And while this involvement varies by person, again, the smallest efforts create considerable results. Men and women are invited to be caretakers with God, joining in the restoration of this "third rock from the sun". And perhaps this invitation becomes motivation when one considers the surrounding beauty. This feeling takes anchor and the desire to watch over it rises in the soul. John Burroughs states, "I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order." When I consider the size of this planet (8,000 miles wide), I know work is needed. And I am thankful for others who accompany words with actions, spearheading conservation efforts, and inspire others in the process. The temperature reached about seventy four today and a continual breeze drifted across the air. For me, this is but a glimpse of heaven. My senses are in order again.

References:

Walsh, Bryan. "Green Acres."
TIME, September 17 2007, 55.