Scarcity - In economics, scarcity is the problem of infinite human needs and wants, in a world of finite resources. In other words, society does not have sufficient productive resources to fulfill those wants and needs. (wikipedia)
It is in the mind that we battle the reality of the world. We read about it, hear about it and see it all around us, but it is as if our mind is playing the like monkey figurines found in touristy stores, and airports…
See no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil.
Question: In a blind, deaf and dumb world, who is king?
What happens when we turn a blind eye to the signs impending scarcity? When we tune out the cries of scientist’s and environmental advocates as they speak of the damage our excess is causing? Who then is foolish one, the tree hugger or the one who no longer has a tree to hug?
As I sit and contemplate these things, my mind battles on… YOU ARE THE GUILTY ONE! YOU ARE APART OF THE PROBLEM! YOU ARE TO BLAME! and this internal battle is beginning to hurt. It is time to change, time to modify my behavior… They say it takes 90 days to change a behavior/habit. 90 days! That is 3 months of constantly choosing against the feelings of your body and mind, of using some self-control. Like Paul says in the good book, it is hard to make your body your slave… it is against our fleshly desires of greed, want and instant gratification.
Some people are getting it, but unfortunately the citizens of the Midwest are stalwarts and laggards in this green movement. What can I do that actually reduces my carbon footprint (mine is 19.505 tonnes, which is a tad below the US average of 20.4)? I must begin to do the things I have ignored… Can I do reduce and still live in abundance? That depends on my definition of abundance…
An abundance of friends, smiles and food or an abundance of clothes, styles, and stuff.
Abundance in the former is the scarcest of all commodities (something that is useful and/or valuable). We are (forgive the use of this next word) “brainwashed” to be ill content, to compare and to always want more, better and the best. Contentment that is rooted in simplicity and selflessness, is hard to come by in a consumerist world, driven by advertisements the illusion of “lack”. There is a scarcity of common sense, self-control and contentment in this world, it is this problem that must be overcome to provide a solution to the other scarcity problem on this world.
Think about this provocative quote:
If the earth dies, you die. If you die the earth survives. - The Day the Earth Stood Still
2 comments ↓
One thing I always found stupefying is the belief that human activity has no effect on the environment on a global scale. Granted the science may not be all conclusive but it is certainly pointing out some very disturbing trends. And even if global climate change is going through a natural cycle, is that any excuse to ignore how damaging our consumerist tendencies are to our habitat? If not for the Earth’s well being, then for our own and our future generation? Because as stated, it’s not the Earth that needs protecting, it’s our very existence as we know it. The Earth will go on without us. We will certainly suffocate and perish in our self-made toxic cloud and rapacious consumption.
I once asked a very good Christian friend about our polluting the earth and his response was that why should it matter to him, he’s not going to be around long enough to see what “might” happen. But then I asked, well what about your kids and their kids. No answer and a shrug. Perhaps the rapture would happen by then and it wouldn’t matter.
I’m actually quite surprised Christians aren’t more aggressive in taking the tact of protecting God’s masterpiece. We’ve been left to till His garden and instead we’re shamelessly pillaging it with abandon. Pride. Gluttony. Greed. Any of those ring a bell?
[...] I have been more aware of my carbon footprint, energy consumption and the all-around sustainability of my actions. Many books, articles, [...]
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