Maybe because I was raised in the country (mid-MIssouri), or maybe it was the first Earth Day that influenced me so much, but I became a vegetarian in 1970, and started recycling then too. Portland has free recycling and composting bins, but I also recycle single-use plastics, batteries, bread things (those little square closers), fabric scraps. I upcycle old clothes into new things. I sew, I garden, I'm creating a backyard habitat. These things all bring me joy. Because we just moved back to Portland 18 months ago, and I planted and planted and planted (5 trees, multiple bushes, so many native plants for bees and other pollinators) I'm watching everything leaf out and blossom now. Trying to turn our yard into something that resembles what it was before people were here. Or at least what it was when the only people were indigenous (many tribes here including Cowlitz, Cascades, Clackamas, Confederated Tribes of Siletz, Confederated Tribes of Grande Ronde, and more. But all this is so little. I still drive a car, use heat and a/c, use milk products. We do have hens, so at least I don't buy eggs.
Loved today's post. Two of my favorite books of the last decade. Yes, Braiding Sweetgrass changed me, and I bought copies for all my favorite people last year when I discovered the book. But H is for Hawk is so good, too. Glad you are sharing these brilliant books with your readers.
As to the this world versus other worlds question, I am all for restoring this planet but I don't want the choice to be binary. We have plenty of resources to do both, if we truly put our thoughts into action.
Much better to spend the money on the environment that we were living in! So very many places in our planet earth that need our attention, money and pure effort to care for it!
I'd add to the reading list the novel "The Overstory" by Richard Powers, winner of the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for fiction. It's about a group of activists trying to save old growth forests. It's a page-turner. In it we learn, among other things, that trees communicate with one another, an idea that is only now gaining some grudging acceptance among scientists.
Betsy, I did a quick read - I’ll do a slow read later-and am curious how you supported SER, by becoming a member? I went to their site and wasn’t sure how to donate. I want to take action this week too. The teacher of the writing course I’m in just shared a list of 50 real things we can do - when she shared the list I panicked as sometimes this issue triggers my anxiety - I’m trying to take the steps- to be at peace but to also take action, to not give into anxiety and despair...to believe that together we can make change
Oh gosh, not a paradise at all, but just doing what I can to help the pollinators and hummingbirds. It will eventually be prettier than it is now, but it is starting to fill in.
Apr 29, 2023·edited May 1, 2023Liked by Elizabeth Marro
We have a responsibility to the home we have and our dereliction of duty will not be entirely resolved going out into space. The issue I see is the prioritization of growth in currency and business versus the flourishing of natural life. We also do not hold business accountable for the damage they do to the environment. They take the fines and move on. I see the solution being finally deciding to prioritize the survival of earth and its beings rather than hold up the rat race of civilization. Some things are above cost and negotiation of how much participation is needed or whether the damage is real. It’s about being definitive in our commitment and acting in concert on larger scales.
Thanks for this deep dive into "Braiding Sweetgrass," Betsy. I've mentioned many times to you and pretty much anyone within hearing/reading distance how much I loved this book. First reading it in ebook format on a flight, I knew I had to hold the book in my hands. I did and still do, opening it on occasion and reading again Kimmerer's words and wisdom. These National Poetry Month days I've been reading the poems of Mary Oliver in her collection "Devotion." The poet reminding us always of the beauty and wonder of the natural world. This morning her poem, "Storage," was another reminder to let go of "stuff" and fly free. Love always spending Saturday morning (or afternoon) with Spark. And PS Bill Maher—not a fan; used to be, not anymore.
Maybe because I was raised in the country (mid-MIssouri), or maybe it was the first Earth Day that influenced me so much, but I became a vegetarian in 1970, and started recycling then too. Portland has free recycling and composting bins, but I also recycle single-use plastics, batteries, bread things (those little square closers), fabric scraps. I upcycle old clothes into new things. I sew, I garden, I'm creating a backyard habitat. These things all bring me joy. Because we just moved back to Portland 18 months ago, and I planted and planted and planted (5 trees, multiple bushes, so many native plants for bees and other pollinators) I'm watching everything leaf out and blossom now. Trying to turn our yard into something that resembles what it was before people were here. Or at least what it was when the only people were indigenous (many tribes here including Cowlitz, Cascades, Clackamas, Confederated Tribes of Siletz, Confederated Tribes of Grande Ronde, and more. But all this is so little. I still drive a car, use heat and a/c, use milk products. We do have hens, so at least I don't buy eggs.
Loved today's post. Two of my favorite books of the last decade. Yes, Braiding Sweetgrass changed me, and I bought copies for all my favorite people last year when I discovered the book. But H is for Hawk is so good, too. Glad you are sharing these brilliant books with your readers.
As to the this world versus other worlds question, I am all for restoring this planet but I don't want the choice to be binary. We have plenty of resources to do both, if we truly put our thoughts into action.
Much better to spend the money on the environment that we were living in! So very many places in our planet earth that need our attention, money and pure effort to care for it!
You made a very good point today Betsy!
I'd add to the reading list the novel "The Overstory" by Richard Powers, winner of the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for fiction. It's about a group of activists trying to save old growth forests. It's a page-turner. In it we learn, among other things, that trees communicate with one another, an idea that is only now gaining some grudging acceptance among scientists.
Betsy, I did a quick read - I’ll do a slow read later-and am curious how you supported SER, by becoming a member? I went to their site and wasn’t sure how to donate. I want to take action this week too. The teacher of the writing course I’m in just shared a list of 50 real things we can do - when she shared the list I panicked as sometimes this issue triggers my anxiety - I’m trying to take the steps- to be at peace but to also take action, to not give into anxiety and despair...to believe that together we can make change
nature is one of my favorite things about life for so many reasons - calming, wonder, peace of mind, beauty, art, joy, restoration, and education
Oh gosh, not a paradise at all, but just doing what I can to help the pollinators and hummingbirds. It will eventually be prettier than it is now, but it is starting to fill in.
We have a responsibility to the home we have and our dereliction of duty will not be entirely resolved going out into space. The issue I see is the prioritization of growth in currency and business versus the flourishing of natural life. We also do not hold business accountable for the damage they do to the environment. They take the fines and move on. I see the solution being finally deciding to prioritize the survival of earth and its beings rather than hold up the rat race of civilization. Some things are above cost and negotiation of how much participation is needed or whether the damage is real. It’s about being definitive in our commitment and acting in concert on larger scales.
Thanks for this deep dive into "Braiding Sweetgrass," Betsy. I've mentioned many times to you and pretty much anyone within hearing/reading distance how much I loved this book. First reading it in ebook format on a flight, I knew I had to hold the book in my hands. I did and still do, opening it on occasion and reading again Kimmerer's words and wisdom. These National Poetry Month days I've been reading the poems of Mary Oliver in her collection "Devotion." The poet reminding us always of the beauty and wonder of the natural world. This morning her poem, "Storage," was another reminder to let go of "stuff" and fly free. Love always spending Saturday morning (or afternoon) with Spark. And PS Bill Maher—not a fan; used to be, not anymore.
The brain power and money should be spent on this planet although some credit duck tape to NASA so ....