The case of our human footprint on Earth
Our economy is in the post Industrial Age and it feels like a whole new society of sustainability. It may no longer be about being big in size but more about living big without leaving a big human footprint on Earth. I am not against capitalism, I have been in business for 39 years, but I am recognizing that many of the contradictions of an industrial society are coming home to roost.
For the first time, America and other countries seem to be moving towards a more humane way of living. Giving thought to what makes a good country might be more than its GDP. Bhutan has a Gross National happiness index. Maybe it is time to heal our planet and heal our souls. Owning our mistakes and recognizing our old ways are not sustainable is a huge step. Vacant lots can be opportunities to grow food in community gardens. Growing our own food and shopping locally instead of trucking it across the country makes sense in many ways i.e. road maintenance, energy costs, fatalities. The job shift will create a loss of trucking jobs but create more local jobs. Also, in cases such as the recent illnesses from salad mix from non-local and non-U.S. sources could be avoided. All of these things can help reduce our human footprint on Earth.
It is nice to think of community again, to think of neighborhood partnerships, of feeling empowered, and able to effect change, of banning together for clean up, and crime watching. Why wait? My husband is bringing labor back into our neighborhood; he fills pot holes in our alley and street.
We could learn a lot from author and philosopher Grace Lee Boggs, a ninety-eight year old activist in Detroit, she said, “You cannot change any society unless you take responsibility for it, unless you see yourself as belonging to it and responsible for changing it.”
Visit FlagandBanner.com for products that help you make a smaller carbon footprint, like solar lighting for garden décor and flagpoles, totes and reusable shopping bags or recycled bags, puzzles made with recycled paper products and more.
Kerry McCoy is founder and president of FlagandBanner.com and owner of historic Taborian Hall where the famous Dreamland Ballroom resides. She is also publisher of Brave Magazine. If you would like to interview Kerry or have her speak at your event contact tammie@flagandbanner.com.
