Is There Such Thing as Eco-Considerate Capitalism?

As a species, we have largely forgotten how to interbe, know the plants and animals we share the planet with, live in community with each other, use our senses to navigate life, and honor the natural rhythms of the world. The cycles of life and our ultimate reliance on Earth to exist continue to remind us of our biological nature, but we moderners often ignore it. Domination of nature without reciprocity is just a mindset we have adopted in capitalistic societies to justify globalization, theft (ecological degradation), and the continual work against the natural processes of life in the name of man’s creations, profit and progress. We have become spiritually poor, and in many ways numb and blinded to our truest human nature.

In this time and place, I believe the first thing we can do is question the things we consume. This act alone might be very painful for some people to face, but crucial to sustain capitalism, as long as possible.

To be responsible and ethical while coming from a place of privilege means taking time to listen, learn, integrate, and make changes that align with life-force and the needs of others. We must notice where and how we are working against nature and question those practices every time. It takes some personal accountability.

Our duties and responsibilities are to honor our bodies, the bodies of all others, and tend to the health of the lands. To recognize that we belong to the Earth, instead of the Earth belonging to us.

Capitalism says to live by stories of lack, separation, competition, and domination, but these can easily transform into stories of strength, innovation, creativity, community, compassion, integrity, and reciprocity. Reconnecting with our imagination through our senses opens the heart space for these stories to emerge.

Proposed considerations and commitments for a eco-considerate capitalistic society:

· Value critical thinking and debate by including diverse perspectives

· Reconnect to our mind, emotions, body, and spirit through nature

· Imagine an ecological society and create transitional practices that reintegrate us into the lifeworld

· Discuss the origins of our distress (separation from nature) with others in community

· Develop emotional and ecological intelligence- It is already within us!

· Normalize dualistic philosophy

· Be intentional with language use- E.g. Use of “we” instead of “you”

· Change political speech- We must speak from our hearts

· Raise standards of eco-organizations so they aren’t completely enmeshed or driven by capitalism

My commitments:

· Be confident in my beliefs and dreams for an eco-considerate world

· Repurpose material items instead of buying new

· Grow seasonal foods in my garden- share knowledge and harvest with others

· Connect with people who seem to have opposing views- foster understand in my interactions

· Buy local and support local artists, makers, and doers

· Leave the lands I visit in a little better condition than how I found it- Picking up trash is a big one for me!

· Do not shop with corporations, as much as possible

· Be a voice for other living beings

In the new year, can you commit to one healthy eco-considerate practice for you and your family to try?

To your health!

Britt