In a society where the exchange of information and goods are so easily transacted, it is not difficult to see how many people can be affected by the beliefs and choices of others.   Many people do not know where their food or other “necessity” products come from, however, through commercialism and the “keeping up with the Jones’” attitude, we know that we must consume them.  Whether it be a belief system or physical product, there are many people who will blindly believe what they are told, without much investigation into where it comes from, or its possible validity.  I, myself, fall victim to this mindset sometimes too.  In a society so out of touch with reality, how can it recognize the actual dire circumstances of the ecosystem it is a part of?

One such belief system that has spread rapidly with the relatively new found ease of access to locations all around the world is Christianity.  This can be seen as having both positive and negative effects.  It does promote morals that are generally seen as “good” such as the Ten Commandments.  However, some of the texts can be dangerously misinterpreted.  Such as, in class we talked about the use of the terms “dominion” and “tend and keep” found in the book of Genesis.  These terms were used to describe man’s duty over nature.  “Dominion” seems to have more anthropocentric connotations to it while “tend and keep” seems to have slightly more biocentric associations.  Both, however, seem to convey the idea that man is the top species on earth and that he should have control over his surroundings.  This widely read and studied text may therefore help to perpetuate the sense that what we are doing to the environment and other species around us is acceptable because we are entitled to such a privilege.  Hopefully, those who read the Bible will have some chance to further scrutinize the language and meaning of the words, as well as incorporate outside ideas, such as Francis Assisi’s belief that we should responsibly take care of nature.

One way that society has become more aware of the degrading condition of our planet is through the ecology movement.  This movement has been becoming more popular each year as it is supplemented with environmental literature and other forms of media that are woven into popular culture.  The common conception of man’s right to dominion over his environment is leading to extreme degradation and deterioration not only of the environment, but also to the lives of those in less fortunate countries, and the welfare of animals. One piece of environmental literature that this subject brings to my mind is a book I am currently reading, Diet for a Small Planet by Frances Moore Lappe.  This book was published over 40 years ago, yet the points that it makes are still valid today.  One related argument it makes is that we are no longer focused on quality and sustainability of our production, but rather what will please the consumer and create the highest revenue.  This has led to a rapidly increasing amount of environmental destruction every day.  I have not completed this book yet but it has already caused me to make slight lifestyle changes.  This to me demonstrates that through education comes progress towards a more sustainable planet.

Although it only brushes the beginning of the issue, it seems to me that the best way to start bringing people back to earth is to use our capabilities of sharing information to educate people of the dangerous consequences behind their actions.  The more that environmentally friendly propaganda integrates itself into mainstream culture, hopefully, the more people it will interest and inspire to make changes.