The spiritual side of sustainability
posted by Lisa Satin on September 14th, 2007 Go to comments
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I read a thought provoking article written by Stanley Ned Rosenbaum, PhD who is an adjunct professor of Hebrew at the University of Kentucky and a professor emeritus of Judaic Studies at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Penn. He commented on Elizabeth Edward’s observation that her family might have to do without tangerines because it costs a lot in energy to transport them from California to South Carolina. In our culture, we are so accustomed to getting what we want when we want it whether it means having plenty of water even during a severe drought (perhaps only having to refrain from washing cars or watering the lawn for a short while), obtaining “on demand” TV, or getting whatever fruits and vegetables we desire regardless of the season. If we decide to buy only local produce, however, we have to eat only the produce which is in season. As a result, we form a deeper connection with nature and feel bound by its limitations. As a result, we have a heightened awareness of our dependence on the earth and of our limited control over nature. By having a more intimate connection with nature as a result of buying local produce, we not only develop a stronger appreciation of our obligation to take care of the earth but we also enjoy what we get from the earth even more. Professor Rosenbaum pointed out that anticipation is a large part of enjoyment. The psychologists call it “delayed gratification”. Everything is a treat if you have to wait for its season to roll round. There is always something rolling into season so there is always something special to celebrate and appreciate since it is not always available “on demand”.
September 16th, 2007 at 9:41 am
I agree with what you are saying here 100% Lisa!
As I see it, somewhere in the last couple hundred years, Science, technology and material things, assumed the role of religion which long ago, was based on Nature. Men/women in white coats assumed the role of God. They promised control, control of the uncontrollable, as did/does technology. Technology further facilitated our separation from Nature, and offered us control of our own, man made, indoor environments. The further we grew from nature, the more we felt a sense of loss, which we in turn, tried to replenish, with Material things.
We are now beginning to discover, however, that those people in white coats often can not offer us the control of the uncontrollable tha we seek. Technology might be giving us the allusion of improving our lives here, and now, but not without repercussions. The same holds true for material things, and ultimately, we do all discover that it is not through these things, that true happiness comes.
Sustainability therefore, can definitely be seen as vehicle for reconnectiona way back to Nature, and our true spiritual selves.
September 17th, 2007 at 1:33 pm
I have to disagree with you a bit. In fact, science can, and is a means for re-connecting with Nature. Moreover, I would go further and suggest that science is absolutely necessary to make sustainability efforts truly useful. How, after all, do we know if a practice is sustainable? The answer can only come from sound scientific practice. We postulate that eating apples is most ‘green’ during September – November when most Northern Hemisphere apple trees are naturally in peak season. This is testable as long as there are measurable quantities. This process of hypothesis testing, data collection, & then data interpretation are the realm of science and scientists. Technological advances and urbanization have certainly allowed for many essentials and conveniences that separate us from nature. Moreover, urbanization/suburbanization separates us from each of us performing what were once day to day experiments. For example, the good farmer that learns by trial and error, and even experimentation how to grow the fullest crops. This should not, however, condemn science & technology to control. If it does it is the failure of individuals to learn the underpinnings of science & technology. (How does this computer & internet work anyway?)
To draw on the construct of Stephan Jay Gould, science and religion are different spheres, both important. Science gives us the structure to learn how nature works. Religion (spirituality) addresses the why questions. So, sustainability benefits from both realms, how do we make our impact on earth more sustainable, and why should we even care to try?
Finally, I don’t think that scientists have assumed the role of God; my husband is a scientist & he does not look anything like George Burns or Morgan Freeman!