206. A change in lifestyle could bring healthy pressure to bear on
those who wield political, economic and social power. This is what
consumer movements accomplish by boycotting certain products. They prove
successful in changing the way businesses operate, forcing them to
consider their environmental footprint and their patterns of production.
When social pressure affects their earnings, businesses clearly have to
find ways to produce differently. This shows us the great need for a
sense of social responsibility on the part of consumers. “Purchasing is
always a moral – and not simply economic – act”.[146] Today, in a word, “the issue of environmental degradation challenges us to examine our lifestyle”.[147]
Americans have power within their pocketbooks to invoke change with Wall Street. Products might be produced abroad at the cost of American jobs, but, we don't have to purchase the goods if it does not meet our CONSUMER STANDARDS.
207. The Earth Charter (click here) asked us to leave behind a period of
self-destruction and make a new start, but we have not as yet developed a
universal awareness needed to achieve this. Here, I would echo that
courageous challenge: “As never before in history, common destiny
beckons us to seek a new beginning… Let ours be a time remembered for
the awakening of a new reverence for life, the firm resolve to achieve
sustainability, the quickening of the struggle for justice and peace,
and the joyful celebration of life”.[148]
Peace of mind is realized through the venue of the truth. Without the truth resolve to prove reality to the best path forward is a dead end.
208. We are always capable of going out of ourselves towards the other. Unless we do this, other creatures will not be recognized for their true worth; we are unconcerned about caring for things for the sake of others; we fail to set limits on ourselves in order to avoid the suffering of others or the deterioration of our surroundings. Disinterested concern for others, and the rejection of every form of self-centeredness and self-absorption, are essential if we truly wish to care for our brothers and sisters and for the natural environment. These attitudes also attune us to the moral imperative of assessing the impact of our every action and personal decision on the world around us. If we can overcome individualism, we will truly be able to develop a different lifestyle and bring about significant changes in society.
Americans have power within their pocketbooks to invoke change with Wall Street. Products might be produced abroad at the cost of American jobs, but, we don't have to purchase the goods if it does not meet our CONSUMER STANDARDS.
207. The Earth Charter (click here) asked us to leave behind a period of
self-destruction and make a new start, but we have not as yet developed a
universal awareness needed to achieve this. Here, I would echo that
courageous challenge: “As never before in history, common destiny
beckons us to seek a new beginning… Let ours be a time remembered for
the awakening of a new reverence for life, the firm resolve to achieve
sustainability, the quickening of the struggle for justice and peace,
and the joyful celebration of life”.[148]Peace of mind is realized through the venue of the truth. Without the truth resolve to prove reality to the best path forward is a dead end.
208. We are always capable of going out of ourselves towards the other. Unless we do this, other creatures will not be recognized for their true worth; we are unconcerned about caring for things for the sake of others; we fail to set limits on ourselves in order to avoid the suffering of others or the deterioration of our surroundings. Disinterested concern for others, and the rejection of every form of self-centeredness and self-absorption, are essential if we truly wish to care for our brothers and sisters and for the natural environment. These attitudes also attune us to the moral imperative of assessing the impact of our every action and personal decision on the world around us. If we can overcome individualism, we will truly be able to develop a different lifestyle and bring about significant changes in society.
