Going "Green"

 

I'm already getting a little static from some of my conservative friends about the "green" aspect of our new business. Have I turned into a flaming tree-hugger? Have I bought into all the global warming hype? Do I agree with those who charge that large (human) families destroy the environment? Do I now sympathize with those who place the protection of plants and animals before the needs of people? Do I believe that Al Gore invented the internet?

No, it's nothing like that. I'm still appalled by much of the nuttiness that passes for "environmentalism"; I still own a good chain saw; I still drive an 8-cyclinder 12 passenger van; and I still believe that our civilization is doomed without a resurgence of large Christian families. However, I don't subscribe to the talk radio version of rabid anti-environmentalism and the glories of unrestrained consumption. I've always been an environmentalist of sorts.  The fact is that our world's natural resources are finite, and that some human activity does impact nature adversely. Whether or not carbon emissions are causing "global warming" is not something I'm prepared to pronounce upon - I'm content to let scientists and other experts duke this one out - but I have no doubt that carbon emissions are harmful to some extent.  If we don't know what the score is just yet, that isn't an excuse for doing nothing. Likewise, "peak oil" seems like a perfectly reasonable future scenario (the question is not one of "if," but of "when"), and we would do well to apply human ingenuity to viable solutions before a crisis is unexpectedly thrust upon us. In short, there is a sensible, Catholic way to approach environmental questions, and I believe my business efforts are consistent with this approach.

On January 1 of this year, Pope Benedict XVI made the following remarks in an address for the World Day of Peace:

"Can we remain indifferent before the problems associated with such realities as climate change, desertification, the deterioration and loss of productivity in vast agricultural areas, the pollution of rivers and aquifers, the loss of biodiversity, the increase of natural catastrophes and the deforestation of equatorial and tropical regions? Can we disregard the growing phenomenon of 'environmental refugees', people who are forced by the degradation of their natural habitat to forsake it – and often their possessions as well – in order to face the dangers and uncertainties of forced displacement? Can we remain impassive in the face of actual and potential conflicts involving access to natural resources? All these are issues with a profound impact on the exercise of human rights, such as the right to life, food, health and development."

"The goods of creation belong to humanity as a whole. Yet the current pace of environmental exploitation is seriously endangering the supply of certain natural resources not only for the present generation, but above all for generations yet to come. It is not hard to see that environmental degradation is often due to the lack of far-sighted official policies or to the pursuit of myopic economic interests, which then, tragically, become a serious threat to creation. To combat this phenomenon, economic activity needs to consider the fact that 'every economic decision has a moral consequence' and thus show increased respect for the environment. When making use of natural resources, we should be concerned for their protection and consider the cost entailed – environmentally and socially – as an essential part of the overall expenses incurred. The international community and national governments are responsible for sending the right signals in order to combat effectively the misuse of the environment. To protect the environment, and to safeguard natural resources and the climate, there is a need to act in accordance with clearly-defined rules, also from the juridical and economic standpoint, while at the same time taking into due account the solidarity we owe to those living in the poorer areas of our world and to future generations."

Some might chide the Holy Father for his ready acceptance of "climate change" as a pressing contemporary problem - again, I don't know enough to weigh in on this debate - but even a climate change skeptic can see the wisdom in the pope's general message. The Church, as mankind's only reliable moral compass, is right to address these questions and to propose solutions. The pope's suggestion of government involvement will make libertarians cringe, but many problems of economic externalties cannot be dealt with apart from public authority. The rest of  us, at minimum, ought to cheer the private ingenuity of entrepreneurs and capitalists in the creation of alternatives to needlessly wasteful and destructive technologies. 

Comments

[Peony Moss]

I don't understand why some "conservatives" start frothing at the mouth if you so much as start rinsing out the jelly jar for the recycle bin. When did prudence and thrift cease to be conservative values?

My mother grew up on a farm and is no Gaia devotee. As soon as her town offered recycling, she was right there crushing cans and sorting plastics -- she doesn't want to be "wasteful." (She says the word "wasteful" with such disgust and disapproval; I wish I could do it justice.)

[Jeff Culbreath]

Your grandmother sounds exactly like my own Granny.

[Dave Pawlak]

I have always regretted the government takeover of recycling - killed private recycling centers and such fundraisers as paper drives for schools...

[Gina]

The Vatican has been installing solar panels to heat, cool and light all of its facilities; also, St. Peter's Bascilica has been using low-impact lighting since 1999, slashing their lighting costs by about 40%. When Pope Benedict XVI says, "the international community and national governments are responsible for sending the right signals in order to combat effectively the misuse of the environment," I believe that he's talking about leading by example, not by dictating policy.

[Frank]

Jeff -

Off topic, but somewhat related, I hope you will do a post sometime offering your thoughts about the Local Food Movement. Much like the environmental issues, the discussion is often dominated by (far) left-of-center viewpoints, but there are many elements of LFM that are complementary with our Faith.

[Jim Curley]

Jeff, My understanding of environmental issues has changed quite a bit since my move to the country. Part is based on sustainablility and part on simple economics. We live in the South with very mild winters and scorching summers. I plan this year to try to convert at least partially to solar hot water. I also hope (this is much more ambitious) to build a methane digester so as to get more use out of the tons of manure we generate-which we already put back in the soil. Sure, global warming and other issues are highly politicized and I am not qualified to assess the risk, but part of being stewards and subduing the earth is to use the gifts God has given us.