I've just finished reading a very basic book which outlines the subject of ecology. It used mostly pictures and cartoons with easy to read language. However, if you've never approached the subject of ecology before it's a very informative introduction. You can find a link to it on the facebook group.
Naturally, as any good book should do, it's got me thinking. I have found it very difficult in the past to sum up my political beliefs but this book has really helped me.
With the current issues of climate change, obesity in the west, famine in the third world, and pollution we clearly need to reasses our current life styles. At the moment we aim to gain material things rather than concentrate on being. These aspirations come from the idea that the world we live on is a resource to be exploited. When this was originally concieved it was also thought that we have infinite supplies of resources. However, we know now this is not the case.
These ideas of resource exploitation and materialism come under the economic system of capitalism whereby power, money and resources are centralised and profit, above all else, is sought.
Ecology does not react well to capitalism. If we want to save ourselves from our own demise (in the form of climate change) other alternatives would need to be embraced.
A decentralised system whereby resources are either shared nationally or grown close to where they are needed in a method which mimics natural ecology is what I think is needed. Sustainable energy supplies using water, wind, waste (methane) and the sun would be utilised. A decentralised system gives a bigger variety of jobs needed more frequently as there is a plethora of different jobs in every small town. Plus, with the increased efficiency of the decentralised system less work is needed. Quality goods are made to last and be easily repaired. This allows more time to be spent on the social side of life and furthering our knowledge.
So what actions can you take? Being aware of where your things come from is one step but just taking green decisions within the capitalist system does not promote true revolutionary change away from it. Try setting up your own co-op, grow your own food, squat, join your unions and force quality made things, oppose nukes, oppose wasteful developments in your area, boycott big unethical brands and support the ones that arn't unethical. I know I will.
-- Post From My iPhone
Where does squatting come into ecology?
ReplyDeleteA decentralised system is the opposite of efficient. It means that tasks that would normally be centrally dealt with ONCE are instead repeated locally MANY times, which is a waste of human effort.
ReplyDeletePlease justify what you meant
I think it's a good thing they are repeated because it increases the diversity of jobs needed in each area while reducing the carbon footprint.
ReplyDeleteSquatting comes in as it is re-using houses by people that don't much care what they look like rather than them laying waste by land lords that probably own a lot of property and don't even realise it's not occupied. Although, I have heard there is new legislation to counter houses going to waste now-a-days. Land lords are forced to do something with the house after a while.