If I had to choose a description that would perfectly sum up my generation it would be in an excerpt from Orr's article, The Earth Charter. This article not only depicts what is wrong with the way we humans are living now, but also provides solutions and suggestions to how we can change. The quotation; "The choice is ours: form a global partnership to care for Earth and one another or risk the destruction of ourselves and the diversity of life. Fundamental changes are needed in our values, institutions, and ways of living. We must realize that when basic needs have been met, human development is primarily about being more, not having more." I could not have said it better myself. As I am getting older it has come to my attention that we are in dire need of a revolution, a tune-up if you will. Our society today is so concerned about a certain way of life that has been brought to normality over the years and that is- convenience. We would much rather drive our cars to work than take a bus or ride our bikes. I mean, it's Florida for Pete's sake, what would be the point of showering in the morning? I for one am one of those people who would prefer to drive to work with the convenience of having my own vehicle. But that is exactly where the problem lies. We have all these ideas and yet, nobody is willing to enact them and get them going.
In Orr's article, The Earth Charter, he provides several principles that we must live by if we desire change. They are as follows:
1. Respect Earth and life in all its diversity
2. Care for the community of life with understanding, compassion, and love
3. Build democratic societies that are just, participatory, sustainable, and peaceful
4. Secure Earth's bounty and beauty for present and future generations
All of these principles are extremely important factors in starting the process of change. However, change cannot come over night and I do not believe that number 3 is a make-or-break principle. It seems as though Orr was inserting a more political view than stating something that could help the environment.
Although Orr's article was interesting, the Ecological Footprint assessment was beyond mind-blowing and peculiar at the same time. I also believe that this assessment could, in no way, be accurate. For example, I have no idea how many square feet my house is- I was 10 when we bought it. I have no idea what kind of energy-saving appliances we have in my home- I've never thought to look. My house was built in the late 70's and I don't think the environment was such a heavy burden as it is to our generation now. That doesn't make me a Earth hater, my family simply does not find the need to move in order to be ecologically sound. Also, I guess I just don't understand how my food footprint is higher than the country's average; I am a vegetarian which is less detrimental to the environment. As you stated- cows are the main reason for global warming and methane levels. If we consume less beef, there wouldn't be such a high demand for cows in general.
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