"Ecology, it has been said, can be applied at the most minute, personal level of behavior,  and at the most "cosmic". A good way to appreciate all of these is to keep in mind the Three Laws of Ecology, articulated in their contemporary form by Patrick Moore, the Canadian  ecologist who was one of the founders of the Greenpeace movement -- drawing on Bookchin, Hegel, et al.

The First Law of Ecology...states that all forms of life are interdependent. The prey is as dependent on the predator for the control of its population as the predator is on the prey for a supply of food.

The Second Law of Ecology...states that the stability (unity, security, harmony, togetherness) of ecosystems is dependent on their diversity (complexity). An ecosystem that contains 100 different species is more  stable than an ecosystem that has only three species.

The Third Law of Ecology...states that all resources (food, water, air, minerals, energy) are finite and there are limits to  the growth of all living systems. These limits are finally dictated by the finite size of the earth and the finite input of energy from the sun."

"The needs of the planet are the needs of the person, and, therefore, the rights of the person  are the rights of the planet. If a proper reverence for the sanctity of the Earth and the diversity of its people is the secret of peace and survival, then the adventure of self-discovery  stands before us as the most practical of pleasures." Theodore Roszak from Chop Wood, Carry Water

We all know the Earth is suffering. We see it around us everyday. Pollution of air, water, and  land, overpopulation, species dying out, technology running rampant, warfare scarring the terrain, and landfills brimming over with the excesses of a materially-focused, excessively consumptive society.

Do we want this to continue? Do we want to leave our children an Earth so poorly cared for, leave them a tragic legacy? Do we want to surround ourselves in such an environment?  Most people would say, "No". And, so there, at the point of decision we must take action. It begins with each one of us making that decision consciously and with full commitment to do our part, no matter how small.

As we continue with this commitment we find that we set an example for those around us. And, with hope, those others will also make their commitment. And so it spreads to a global effort of saving something very precious -- our Home.

"Almost anything you do will seem insignificant,
but it is very important that you do it." ~~ Ghandi

• Recycle/re-use as much as you can.
• Neuter/spay your pets.
• Before you buy something ask yourself: "Do I REALLY need this?"
• Join a local action group such as the Sierra Club.
• Start a neighborhood clean-up group -- and do a bi-weekly or monthly cleaning.
• Turn off the lights.
• Plant something green.
• Don't throw trash out your car window (yes, I still see people doing this!).
• Carpool.
• Slow down when you drive -- it saves on gas.
• Turn off the TV and read a book or take a walk.
• Use products that haven't been tested on animals.
• Write to your political leaders and support conservation legislation.
• Teach your children how to care for the Earth.
• Mulch your grass clippings and leaves instead of bagging them and taking them to a landfill.
• Use chemicals sparingly.
• Turn off the air conditioner and open the windows.
• Support conservation organizations.
• Be a peaceful force of change.
• Be thankful and appreciate the beautiful planet we live with.

Rune image by Bruce Huffman