Ethics for a Participatory Ecology
What a nice idea, taking care of “Nature” (whatever that is)! It makes us think of cleaning streams, throwing litter into the proper receptacles, recycling at home, buying organic. All good, to be sure, but are they really “taking care of Nature?” These sentiments are so ingrained in environmentalist circles that it’s likely not many of us have really considered what they say about the worldview that produced them.
Essentially, saying “We must take care of Nature” implies that humanity has dominion over it.
“Take care of Nature” means “humans are responsible for keeping Nature healthy.” In reality, the opposite is true: “Nature” is responsible for keeping US healthy, because humans and “Nature” are part of the same System. Nature isn’t something you “Go To.”
Reframing how we see “Nature” is going to take some work.
“TEN REASONS TO ESCAPE TO NATURE”
“GET BACK TO NATURE THIS WEEKEND!”
“25 INSPIRING NATURE QUOTES TO MAKE YOU WANT TO GO OUTSIDE AND EXPLORE NATURE”
“It’s time to get out in nature and explore the places you are helping protect.”
We must take care of Nature!
“Be stewards of the Environment!”
“TOP TEN WAYS TO TAKE CARE OF OUR PLANET”