Harmony with Nature: A Core Principle in Major Religions

December 10, 2023 / activist360

*Yosemite Valley, among the trees, in June 2023.*

In a world increasingly focused on environmental conservation, it’s enlightening to explore how major religions respect and honor nature. These ancient faiths provide a rich tapestry of beliefs and practices that highlight the sacred bond between humans and the natural world.

Let’s take a look at how major religions prize harmony with nature:

Buddhism: Mindful Stewardship of Nature

Buddhism teaches the interconnectedness of all living things, promoting a deep respect for nature. The concept of ‘Ahimsa,’ or non-violence, extends to all living beings, fostering a mindful approach to environmental stewardship. The ancient Hindu texts discourage wanton destruction of nature including of wild and cultivated plants.

The forest is a peculiar organism of unlimited kindness and benevolence that makes no demands for its sustenance and extends generously the products of its life activity; it affords protection to all beings, offering shade even to the axe-man who destroys it.
―Gautama Buddha

Hinduism: Divine in Nature

Hinduism views nature as a manifestation of the divine. The reverence for rivers, mountains, flora, and fauna in Hindu texts underscores the faith’s ecological ethos. The Earth is often personified as the goddess ‘Bhumi,‘ reinforcing the sanctity of the natural world.

Mother Earth, may whatever I dig from you grow back again quickly, and may we not injure you by our labour.
—Atharva Veda

Christianity: Stewardship of God’s Creation

Christianity advocates for stewardship of the Earth, viewed as God’s creation. Biblical scriptures, such as Genesis, emphasize humanity’s role in caring for and preserving the environment. In Genesis, God instructs humanity to manage the creation in particular ways.

And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
—Genesis 1:26–28

Islam: Nature as a Sign of God

In Islam, nature is seen as a tapestry of signs pointing to the divine. The Quran frequently references the environment, urging believers to protect and respect it as a gift from Allah.

“And Allah has sent down rain from the sky and given life thereby to the earth after its lifelessness. Indeed in that is a sign for a people who listen.”
—Quran, 16:65

Judaism: Balancing Use and Preservation

Judaism teaches a balance between utilizing and preserving nature. The concept of ‘Bal Tashchit‘—do not destroy—highlights a commitment to avoiding wastefulness and promoting sustainability.

If not for the trees, human life could not exist.
—BT Taanit 23a

Each of these faiths brings a unique perspective to environmental ethics, yet they all share a profound respect for the natural world. This universal reverence underscores the importance of collaboration across religious lines for the conservation and protection of our planet.

New York City Launches Nation’s Largest Curbside Composting Initiative in Queens

September 3, 2023 / activist360

NYC What To Compost Decal.

Queens Leads NYC’s Revolutionary Composting Initiative

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) Commissioner Jessica Tisch unveiled the nation’s most extensive curbside composting initiative. From October 3, every Queens resident will automatically receive weekly collection services for compostable materials like yard waste, food remnants, and soiled paper products. Queens, with 41% of the city’s street trees, becomes the first entire borough to enjoy this service.

Mayor Adams emphasized that this effort not only promotes cleaner streets but also battles climate change, establishing NYC as the U.S. leader in curbside composting. Deputy Mayor for Operations, Meera Joshi, mentioned this initiative’s alignment with the broader city cleanup, highlighting other steps like smart composting bins and a citywide containerization pilot.

DSNY Commissioner Tisch outlined the program’s design, focusing on its effectiveness, affordability, and inclusiveness. The system borrows from past successes and lessons, aiming to ease the process for New Yorkers while being environmentally friendly and pest-resistant.

DSNY’s innovative routing efficiencies allow servicing Queens, NYC’s largest borough, at unparalleled cost-efficiencies. Queens’ choice was strategic, given its diverse communities, housing types, and history of environmental neglect. The program covers all yard waste, food scraps, and soiled paper products, without any sign-ups. Residents will find collection schedules on DSNY’s website by mid-September.

Furthermore, to combat methane emissions from landfills, separating compostables is crucial. Approximately a third of NYC’s residential waste can be composted, benefiting both gardens and renewable energy production. The initiative also aims to reduce pests by using secure bins. Residents can order or label compost bins through the city’s online platform.

The service spans from October to December, halting during winter, and resuming in March 2023. History indicates yard waste as the major contributor during the initial phases. Additionally, the Adams administration is introducing 250 “smart” composting bins this fall, accessible via smartphones, after a successful 2021 pilot, targeting various boroughs with an emphasis on specific neighborhoods.

Forest Whispers: Respecting Nature’s Kinship and the Hidden Dialogue of Trees

August 20, 2023 / activist360

Hawai’ian Kahuna Insights: Ancient Wisdom of the Islands

With the damage caused by the Lahaina inferno fresh in our minds, we went searching for Hawai’ian wisdom. We came across a very wise Hawai’i Kūpuna Elder, Kimokeo Kapahulehua. In this TikTok post, he shares sage advice that can benefit humanity, and protect our biodiversity.

@wisdom.keepers
Kimokeo Kapahulehua – Kūpuna Elder, Hawai’i Like / Follow / Share✨ @wisdom.keepers Uncle Kimokeo is a kūpuna elder born on the island of Kaua’i. He is dedicated to preserving and sharing his culture and traditions through his foundation @kimokeofoundation. He is a member of many canoe teams both in Hawai’i and around the world. 🌀For full interviews, community page and more join our WK Community on Patreon 🌀 ✨LINK IN BIO✨ #aloha #kupuna #elder #hawaii #wisdomkeeper #canoe #laka #mahalo #wisdomkeepers #native #indigenous #areyoulistening Film: @Jeremy Whelehan Music: Ynglingtal feat. Jhon Montoya WKTeam: @motherwaters @grandchildofthemoon Project: @wisdom.keepers Respect, Love & Gratitude. Hoomaikai me ka mahalo 💚🌿
♬ 【No drums】 Emotional space-like epic … – MoppySound

You cannot go to the forest and just take a tree.
You have to ask Laka.
She’s the goddess of the forest. That’s her child.
Why do you want to take her child without permission?
And as the canoe maker, and as…
He has to go up and tell Laka
“I’m going to take one of your child[ren], and I’m going to make it into a canoe.”
Laka will be very happy when you take her child and make it into many lives and serve many, many people.
We cannot just take.
We need to give.
So if you take one of her child[ren], maybe you should go plant?
And give back Laka 40 children.
Take the seed of the plant and take it right back to the same location because her children would like to be born with the parents, and the great grandparents, and the great great grandparents.
Don’t take her child from the forest to another forest because they will all grow better with their family.
Like us.
—Kimokeo Kapahulehua, Kūpuna Elder

Elder’s Wisdom is Backed by Science

Science suggests that trees can “communicate” with each other through a complex network of mycorrhizal fungi. This underground network allows trees to exchange nutrients, send warning signals about environmental changes, and share resources with one another.

Dr. Suzanne Simard, a professor of forest ecology at the University of British Columbia, is one of the primary researchers in this area. In her studies, she found that trees can transfer carbon, water, and nutrients to other trees in times of need. She discovered that mother trees recognize their kin and send them more carbon below ground. They reduce their own root competition to make elbow room for their kids.

“When mother trees are injured or dying, they also send messages of wisdom on to the next generation of seedlings.”
—Dr. Suzanne Simard, Professor, RPF, Leader of The Mother Tree Project, Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia

These findings validate the guidance shared by Kūpuna Elder, Kimokeo Kapahulehua.

Further, planting trees in non-native environments can have diverse ecological consequences. Research has shown that non-native trees can impact local ecosystems by:

Changing soil properties
Loss of humidity
Introduction of invasive alien species and disease
Negative impacts on biodiversity
Higher risks of adverse effects of fires and stores

When non-native tree species become invasive, they can outcompete, displace native species, alter habitat structures, and even change the soil properties and nutrient cycling.

It’s Time to Listen to the Wisdom

Whether we choose to listen to the wisdom of our elders or to science, climate disasters that are increasingly common underscore the urgency of listening and acting upon this wisdom.

Sources:

Simard, S.W., Beiler, K.J., Bingham, M.A., Deslippe, J.R., Philip, L.J., & Teste, F.P. (2012). Mycorrhizal networks: mechanisms, ecology and modelling. Fungal Biology Reviews, 26(1), 39-60.
Source: Brockerhoff, E.G., Jactel, H., Parrotta, J.A., Quine, C.P., & Sayer, J. (2008). Plantation forests and biodiversity: oxymoron or opportunity? Biodiversity and Conservation, 17(5), 925-951.

Maui, Hawaii 023 Lahaina, Banyan Tree, Allie_Caulfield from Germany, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons