How many of my modern conveniences would I be willing to give up in order no longer to contribute one iota to the erosion of the global eco-system? I have grown rather attached to this computer, and I know the plastic casing, the metals and other chemically produced materials that make it work are not biodegradable. There's probably a computer I could use that is made entirely out of recycled materials, and that contains only components that were made without hurting the environment. But I expect it costs as much as a car. Which is another of those things I've grown very dependent upon. Maybe addicted to. Riding on oceans of asphalt that keep me blissfully oblivious to the living systems struggling beneath me or whizzing past me. Then there's my cell phone. Five years ago I bragged that I'd never use one, let alone make it my #1 wardrobe accessory, file cabinet and relationship manager. So I try to forget that certain minerals that are critical to cell technology are mined in gorilla territory, and even though it's illegal to hunt gorillas, there's enough money in poaching to attract plenty of risk takers.
And I'm still living on the grid, sucking up kilowatts to run everything, and barely mindful of the creatures, human and other, who live in the foggy shadows of the steaming, belching, white hot monsters that spew my electricity. I barely consider the habitats - rivers for hydro electric, mountains of coal, native human lands with veins of fissionable materials - that no longer exist because I need my juice.
Of course, you know this all gets me feeling guilty, which is why I don't like to look at it very often or for very long. But I'm striving to be a more courageous geocosmystic, which means looking at things as they are, and feeling what I need to feel. Writing this blog is one way I do that. Maybe I can't change the world, but I can change myself, and I can be the change I dream of. Awareness, consciousness, courage to face the truth - these are honorable beginnings. Next steps to come. Aho!
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Hmmm...as I sit here on my computer for the last 3 hours.
ReplyDeleteI will admit that I have gotten horribly reliant on my cell phone and my computer without second thoughts as to the impact, to talk to far away friends and clients. How much would I be willing to give up? I think that if I had my family and friends were close by, in community, I would give it all up. My need for these items is based on a society that spreads families, chosen and blood, far apart to fulfill their financial needs. Should it be that the grid collapses, and all power is gone, I could live happily...as long as those I love dearly are within a days ride, by horseback, from where I live. It is the communication and connection, the community, I long for. It saddens me that it is at something elses expense, though I do my best to balance that with conscious living, giving back where I can. At this time these modern conveniences bring me that community, until the time that I no longer need them, and for these things I am grateful. I hope that the time comes soon when we devise other more beneficial ways to hold those dear to us close. We need to back track to the days of old, taking care of each other in community, and living simply for the greater good of all.