A few good (some non-western) Ideas

OK, today I want to share some really exciting news from around the world that you probably didn’t read in the New York Times or hear on NPR.

1. Ecuador is proposing to recognize nature- ecological systems- as having inalienable rights (like the right, and therefore the protection of its right, to exist) This is super exciting in terms of environmental law because if nature has a right to exist, humans and corporations and states will need to show substantial or just cause to infringe on those rights. You can read the article here: http://climateandcapitalism.com/?p=479 Very exciting. If you think this is an awesome step in the right direction towards a sustainable human future in harmony with our environment, as I do, I urge you to propose integrating this language into your own social pact at the familial, community and city levels. In Boulder, CO, a group of women are working to integrate the recognition of nature’s right to exist into the language dictating the town’s “transition” to a world beyond peak oil.
2. On that note the Transition Town movement is pretty exciting if you’re not plugged into that here is some information: http://www.transitiontowns.org/
3. Finally, I read that the country of Bhutan measures their GDH, that is, their Gross Domestic Happiness. They point out how the GDP measures things but not the impact of those things (pollution, for example). In Bhutan the focus is on not only what is gained but also what is lost and whatever tradeoffs there might be. OK. That’s all I got for today!