Ecofeminism

Ecofeminism:  The Intersection of Feminism and Ecology

We live on the earth with millions of species, only one of which is the human species.  Yet the human species in its patriarchal form is the only species which holds a conscious belief that it is entitled to dominion over the other species, and over the planet.  Paradoxically, the human species is utterly dependent on nonhuman nature.  We could not live without the rest of nature: it could  live without us.

     The special message of ecofeminism is that when women suffer through both social domination and the domination of nature, most of life on this planet suffers and is threatened as well.  It is significant that feminism and ecology as social movements have emerged now, as nature's revolt against domination plays itself out in human history and in nonhuman nature at the same time.  As we face slow environmental poisoning and the resulting environmental simplification, or the possible unleashing of our nuclear arsenals, we can hope that the prospect of extinction of life on the planet will provide a universal impetus to social change.  Ecofeminism supports Utopian visions of harmonious, diverse, decentralized communities, using only those technologies based on ecological principles, as the only practical solution for the continuation of life on earth.

     Visions and politics are joined as an ecofeminist culture and politics begin to emerge.  Ecofeminists are taking direct action to effect changes that are immediate and personal as well as long-term and structural.  Direct actions include learning holistic health and alternate ecological technologies, living in communities that explore old and new forms of spirituality which celebrate all life as diverse expressions of nature, considering the ecological consequences of our lifestyles and personal habits, and participating in creative public forms of resistance.

Supporting Organic Farming is Direct Earth Action !!!

     By supporting organic farming I am casting a spell of healing for the Earth, my body and all living creatures.  Buying, growing, and eating organically is direct Earth action.  It's a basic, daily ritual that honors and supports the entire ecosystem.

     Organic farming is  a system that nourishes soil and microbial life, while producing healthy food.  Conventional (read: chemical ) farming is a system that is harmful to all living creatures,  including humans, soil, water, animals, and the Earth as a whole.

     Cast a circle while you gather your food.  Whether it be in your garden, at the Farmer's Market, in the co-op or local store, you have choices.  Get to know your garden, a farmer, or the local produce manager.  Your choices will have an effect on this planet.

     Organic food may appear to be more expensive, until you examine the true costs of chemical farming with an eagle's eye view.  When you pay "more" for an organic vegetable you are paying for the true cost of that item.  When you pay "less" for a vegetable that was produced by agribusiness, by chemical methods, that is just the first installment.  The further installments will come when we all pay for cleaning up ground water from pesticide poisoning, for birth defects, for the loss of topsoil, for general health problems, for the loss of wildlife, and so on.

     To support local organic farming is to be part of the magical spell that is changing the destructive ways of feeding humans into a system that nourishes all living creatures and the Earth herself.

Liz Tree 1995