ONE of my favorite quotes or sayings is:
"Treat the earth well:
It was not given to you by your parents,
It was loaned to you by your children.
We do not inherit the Earth from our
Ancestors, we borrow it from our Children."
--Ancient Indian Proverb
Think about it for a moment! Yes, the American Indian had it right. They understood that "Mother Earth" took care of them and in return they took care of her.
Yes, Native Americans understood "Stewardship!" They understood that our planet is a community, not a commodity. Taking only what they needed, nothing more. They knew it they didn't care for her, there would be nothing for future generations.
Villages were often moved every few years, this allowed nature to replenish herself. Virtually everything was used or recycled. Animals were used for food, yet the hides made clothing and shelter. Bones were used as tools, so very little was wasted. Trees that were cut down to make room for gardens were used for lodging, firewood and tools. They didn't clear cut or let things go to waste.
Yes, stewardship is more than plants and animals, it is also recycling and keeping our planet clean. Recycling reduces pollution in several ways.
Old newspapers, cardboard, plastics can all be recycled and used again. Newspapers are used as insulation, and re-used as newspaper again. Think of all the trees our efforts save. Not just the big brown cardboard boxes, but cereal and cracker boxes are recycled.
Plastics are turned into other products like bird feeders and outdoor furniture. This not only saves our landfills, but also reduces the use and dependence on petroleum. Glass products are recycled back into glass and other items of use.
Stewardship goes beyond the obvious, it also means recycling old motor oils. I grew up on a dirt road and 40 years ago it was common to have old motor oil dumped onto the roads to keep dust down. Forty years ago, polluting the ground wasn't an issue like it is today. Now old oils can be recycled into more practical uses.
Recycling also includes old batteries and proper disposing of old chemicals. Minimizing yard and garden wastes by making a mulch bin or many communities have dump sites for plant materials as well as trash.The list goes on.
By recycling, we have reduced our trash by more than half. We feel good that we are helping our planet. Some communities charge by the trash bag. Recycling can save money too.
Do you take the time and effort to sort your trash? Are you into recycling?
When borrowing a friend's car, it is customary to leave it with more gas and maybe clean it as well. Leaving the car in better shape than when you borrowed it.
Stewardship.
"We do not inherit the Earth from our
Ancestors, we borrow it from our Children."
Now do you get it?
Ron Patterson
Windstar Wildlife Habitat Naturalist
Michigan Certified Nurseryman
Kentwood, MI
www.gardening-for-wildlife.com
very wise and thoughtful post - thank you...
Posted by: be | March 19, 2007 at 09:51 PM