FEBRUARY 2003

SUSTAINABLE ST. LOUIS

Purpose:

-To clarify earth-related values through discussions about deep ecology and related topics

-To discover how personal values affect the way we view and treat the earth

-To explore what it means to take personal responsibility for the earth.

Topics Covered:

-Deep Ecology: Human beings are one of many species, everything is interconnected, and sustainability should replace economic growth as our long-term goal. How do these underlying assumptions differ from current assumptions of our society?

-The Gaia Hypothesis: In some ways, the earth functions like a living organism, reflecting the interdependence of life and earth's compensating mechanisms. How do the biological and physical worlds interact to create a self-regulating process?

-Spirituality and the Earth: Some environmentalists and theologians emphasize a spiritual dimension in our relationship with the earth. Some believe spirituality is the key to finding motivation to live on a sustainable basis with other species and the earth's finite resources.

-Native American Wisdom: Most Americans are far removed from the earth in their daily lives. What can be learned from the rich heritage of Native Americans and their relationship with Mother Earth?

-Ecopsychology: Modern life tends to cut us off from our bond to the natural world. Could restoration of that bond help to heal both individuals and the planet?

-Simplicity: With conveniences of modern life come distractions. What are the benefits and challenges of living a simple life in a society dominated by materialism and technology?

-Bioregionalism: Each person lives in a unique geographical area with natural boundaries. Will a deeper understanding of our bioregion enable us to better care for the earth?

-Ritual: What can be learned from traditions where ceremonies, poetry, music and celebrations express respect and appreciation for the earth? _______________________________________________________________________

4. DEEP ECOLOGY RESOURCES.

Books:

-A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold, 1949 -Ecology, Community and Lifestyle by Arne Naess, 1989 -The Lorax by Dr. Seuss, 1971 -The Web of Life by Fritjof Capra, 1996 -Walden by Henry David Thoreau, 1854

Articles:

"From Gaia Theory to Deep Ecology" by Stephan Harding "Introduction to Deep Ecology," an interview with Michael E. Zimmerman by Alan AtKisson, In Context, Summer 1989 -"What Is Deep Ecology?" by Stephan Harding

Periodicals:

-EarthLight  The Magazine of Spiritual Ecology http://www.earthlight.org/  -Resurgence Magazine http://resurgence.gn.apc.org/home.htm  -The Trumpeter  Journal of Ecosophy http://trumpeter.athabascau.ca/

Organizations:

-Deep-Ecology.net http://www.deep-ecology.net/

-Earth Island Institute http://www.earthisland.org/home_body.cfm

-Foundation for Deep Ecology http://www.deepecology.org/directory.html

-GreenSpirit  The Association for Creation Spirituality http://www.greenspirit.org.uk

-Institute of Global Education http://www.ecopsych.com/homepage.html

-Re-Earthing http://www.reearthing.com/

-ReligionandNature.com http://www.religionandnature.com

-Sacred Earth Network http://www.sacredearthnetwork.org

-The Institute for Deep Ecology http://www.deep-ecology.org/